Arthroscopic surgery for subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle in horses: 41 cases (1988-1991).

This research investigates the outcomes of arthroscopic surgery in horses with subchondral cystic lesions in the medial femoral condyle. The study found that 74% of horses had a successful outcome when excluding factors not directly related to the cystic lesion.

Background and Objectives

• The purpose of this research is to analyze clinical signs, radiographic and arthroscopic findings, and results for 41 horses that underwent arthroscopic surgery for treating subchondral cystic lesions in their medial femoral condyle.

Study Sample and Primary Observations

• The study sample included various breeds: 17 Quarter Horses, 15 Arabians, 8 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Holsteiner. Most of the horses were between 1 to 3 years old, accounting for 68% of the sample size.
• The main complaint from all horse owners was mild to moderate hind limb lameness or an altered gait.
• Radiographic abnormalities in the medial femoral condyle were observed in 27 horses. Out of these, 19 were found to have bilateral lesions during arthroscopic surgery.
• Alongside the subchondral cystic lesion, 13 joints in 11 horses exhibited an osteochondritis dissecans lesion on the articular surface of the medial femoral condyle, which extended from the opening of the subchondral cystic lesion.

Procedures and Treatments

• Surgical debridement performed via arthroscopy was the sole treatment for 37 lesions in 23 horses.
• For 23 lesions in 18 horses, debridement was followed by drilling of the defect bed.

Results and Follow-up

• Out of the 39 horses that had complete follow-up data, 22 (56%) had a successful result and 17 (44%) had an unsuccessful result.
• In a separate analysis that excluded unsuccessful results due to factors unrelated to the subchondral cystic lesion of the medial femoral condyle, the success rate improved to 74%, leaving an unsuccessful rate of 26%.

The research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery as a treatment for subchondral cystic lesions in the medial femoral condyle in horses, indicating promising results for the majority of affected animals when unrelated factors are excluded.