Arthroscopy of the Dorsal and Plantar Pouches of the Tarsocrural Joint for the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Horse: Clinical Features and Follow-Up.

The study presents a review of the procedures, pathological findings, and outcomes in horses treated with arthroscopic surgery for a bone and cartilage disease known as tarsocrural osteochondritis dissecans. The researchers provide information on the health of the joint and recommend routine investigation of the area in question during surgery.

Objective and Methodology

• The study was a retrospective review of cases from 2005 to 2013, involving horses diagnosed with tarsocrural osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). This is a condition affecting the horse’s joint, causing pain and lameness, and often requiring surgery for treatment.
• The scientists examined the records of 102 horses (144 joints) treated for this condition at the Rossdales Equine Hospital in the UK, under the care of three ECVS Diplomates, one of whom regularly checked both the dorsal and plantar pouches of the joint.
• The study utilized a structured questionnaire to gather follow-up data, also using horse racing records when necessary. The collected data were subsequently analyzed to give a detailed overview of each case’s clinical features and results post-surgery.

Key Findings

• From the 70 joints examined in both dorsal and plantar pouches, it was observed that 31.4% had cartilage erosion or degeneration in the dorsal pouches, 45.7% had cartilage wear lines in the plantar pouches, and 10% had fragments removed during surgery from the plantar pouches.
• Interestingly, out of the plantar pouches with wear lines, 18 (25.7%) showed no signs of cartilage irregularities within the dorsal pouch, separate from the OCD lesion itself.
• Regarding the follow-up analysis of 102 treated horses, two-thirds (66.7%) were able to return to their intended use after surgery, highlighting the procedure’s potential effectiveness.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The researchers conclude by emphasizing the importance of routinely investigating the plantar pouch in surgical procedures related to tarsocrural OCD. This thorough examination provides valuable information about the joint’s overall health and contributes to the successful removal of fragments potentially overlooked by standard diagnostic radiography.