Outcome after arthroscopic treatment of lateral femoral trochlear ridge osteochondrosis in sport horses

Abstract

The prognosis for sport horses following stifle arthroscopy for lateral trochlear ridge is similar to that reported in other studies and lesions at other sites within the stifle joint.

Cartilage defect repair in horses: Current strategies and recent developments in regenerative medicine of the equine joint with emphasis on the surgical approach

“…In a recent retrospective study on outcome of arthroscopic debridement of OCD lesions on the lateral femoral trochlear ridge in mainly Warmbloods, 65% of horses returned to their intended use, which was comparable with previous studies (Foland et al, 1992;McIlwraith, 2013). The length of the lesion was significantly associated with the prognosis in horses with lesions <2 cm in length having 78% return to function, against 54% for lesions >4 cm (McIlwraith, 2013;UpRichard et al, 2013). Also in subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle the amount of cartilage surface damage is an important prognostic factor.…”

Ultrasonographic screening for subclinical osteochondrosis of the femoral trochlea in foals (28–166 days old): a prospective farm study

“…Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the femoral trochlea is of economic importance for the equine industry as it is a site with one of the worst prognoses for return to performance following arthroscopic debridement (54-68%) [1,2]. In addition, post-operative performance of operated horses is below that of their peers [3].…”

Validation of the ultrasonographic assessment of the femoral trochlea epiphyseal cartilage in foals at osteochondrosis predilected sites with magnetic resonance imaging and histology

“…In a nonpreselected population of Dutch Warmblood in which stifles, hocks and fetlocks were examined, the prevalence of osteochondrosis in yearlings was reported to be as high as 67.5% . The prognosis for return to expected level of performance after surgical treatment of OCD in the stifle is 66% and racehorses and jumping horses perform less well than their peers .…”