Arthroscopic autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty for the treatment of subchondral cystic lesion in the medial femoral condyle in a horse.

The study discusses a surgical procedure used to treat a subchondral cystic lesion, a bone-related disorder in the medial femoral condyle of a horse. The technique – autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty – involves extracting bone grafts from the affected limb and transplanting them into the cyst, thereby reducing lameness. Results from a one-year follow-up consultation showed considerable improvement in the horse’s condition, signifying this procedure as a feasible alternative for treating similar disorders in horses.

Background

• The research presents a case of an 11-year-old, Hungarian half-bred stallion suffering from a 6 month-long lameness in its left hindlimb.
• The diagnosis revealed a subchondral bone cyst of the medial femoral condyle – a hollow space in the bone causing pain and lameness – and an injury to the medial meniscus.

Surgical Procedure

• Osteochondral autograft transplantation, also known as mosaic arthroplasty, was implemented as the treatment approach.
• In this technique, grafts were extracted from the less weight-bearing medial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the affected limb. Subsequently, these grafts were transplanted into the cyst during an arthroscopic procedure – a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint.

Evaluation and Results

• The horse’s lameness was assessed prior to the surgery and also a year post the surgical operation, using a motion analysis system during a treadmill exercise.
• Considerable improvement in the lameness and clinical signs were observed. Successful transplantation of the grafts was noted, and a new hard joint cartilage surface of the medial femoral condyle was detected during a follow-up arthroscopy.

Conclusion and Implications

• The research concluded that osteochondral autograft transplantation may serve as an effective alternative for treating subchondral cystic lesions in horses.
• This study described a novel surgical technique for the treatment of subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle. The procedure’s success marks a significant stride in equine medical treatments.