Topic:Meniscus
The meniscus in horses is a fibrocartilaginous structure located within the stifle joint, functioning to distribute weight and stabilize the joint during movement. It is composed of two crescent-shaped discs, the medial and lateral menisci, which act as shock absorbers and facilitate smooth articulation of the joint surfaces. Meniscal injuries in horses can result from trauma, excessive strain, or degenerative changes, leading to lameness and joint dysfunction. Diagnosis of meniscal injuries often involves clinical examination, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and treatment modalities related to meniscal injuries in equine practice.
Preliminary observations on tear film interferometry performed in horses. This retrospective study evaluated tear film (TF) interferometry on horses examined in Northern Italy in 2019-2021. The objectives were to evaluate horses affected by keratitis, and to describe TF values in horses with no evidence of ocular disease. All horses received a complete ophthalmic examination and were examined with the Ocular Surface Analyser, Veterinary-setting, prior to eye manipulation, staining and sample collection. Eighteen horses with no evidence of ocular disease were included in the comparison group. Additionally, 46 horses displaying signs of keratitis (neovascularization, ...
Histo-morphological effects on equine synovium after arthroscopic synovectomy using two different motorized synovial resectors and two different intensities. The purpose of the study was to determine the histo-morphological effects on villous synovium after synovectomy using two different motorized synovial resectors and two different intensities ex-vivo. Thirty-three (n=33) equine metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints were used. Synovectomy was performed along the dorsomedial/dorsolateral synovium (n=66) using two motorized synovial resectors (aggressive full radius resector, AFRR, used at two intensities: single treatment, n= 24 vs. triple treatment, n= 21 vs. aggressive meniscus side cutter, AMSC, n=21). Arthroscopic images were evaluat...
Finite Element Modelling Simulated Meniscus Translocation and Deformation during Locomotion of the Equine Stifle. We developed a finite element model (FEM) of the equine stifle joint to identify pressure peaks and simulate translocation and deformation of the menisci. A series of sectional magnetic resonance images (1.5 T) of the stifle joint of a 23 year old Shetland pony gelding served as basis for image segmentation. Based on the 3D polygon models of femur, tibia, articular cartilages, menisci, collateral ligaments and the meniscotibial ligaments, an FEM model was generated. Tissue material properties were assigned based on data from human (Open knee(s) project) and bovine femoro-tibial joint available...
High field magnetic resonance imaging is comparable with gross anatomy for description of the normal appearance of soft tissues in the equine stifle. High field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for horses with suspected stifle disease, however there is limited available information on normal imaging anatomy and potential incidental findings. The aim of this prospective, anatomic study was to develop an optimized high field MRI protocol for evaluation of the equine stifle and provide detailed descriptions of the normal MRI appearance of the stifle soft tissues, using ultrasound and gross pathological examination as comparison tests. Nine cadaver limbs were acquired from clinically normal horses. Stifles were evaluated ul...
Equine meniscal degeneration is associated with medial femorotibial osteoarthritis. There is limited information available concerning normal equine meniscal morphology, its degeneration and role in osteoarthritis (OA). Objective: To characterise normal equine meniscal morphology and lesions and to explore the relationship between equine meniscal degeneration and femorotibial OA. Methods: Ex vivo cadaveric study. Methods: Menisci were harvested from 7 normal joints (n = 14 menisci) and 15 joints with OA (n = 30 menisci). A macroscopic femorotibial OA score (cartilage degeneration and osteophytosis) was employed to measure disease severity in each compartment. The femoral and t...
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels in digital sheath synovial fluid and serum with tendon injury. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix protein found predominantly in cartilage, but also in tendon, ligament and meniscus. Studies in man have demonstrated that it may be used as a prognostic marker in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The present study investigated whether tendon injury contributes to serum and tendon sheath synovial fluid levels of COMP in horses. COMP levels, analysed by competitive ELISA, in the digital sheath synovial fluid were more than 10-fold higher than in the serum. Levels were significantly raised when tendon dam...