Comparison of arthroscopy and arthrotomy for the treatment of osteochondritic lesions in the femoropatellar joint of horses.

The research article examines the comparative outcomes of arthrotomy and arthroscopy in the treatment of osteochondritic lesions in horses’ femoropatellar joint. The study’s findings favor arthroscopy on factors such as hospitalization time, return to athletic activities, and cosmetic outcomes.

Objective of the study

• The research was aimed at comparing the outcomes and efficiency of two surgical procedures, arthroscopy and arthrotomy, in treating osteochondritic lesions in horses’ femoropatellar joint.

Study Design

• 48 horses with osteochondritic lesions were selected for the study. Of these, 23 were treated through arthrotomy and 25 via arthroscopy.
• For objectivity, no statistical differences were present between the groups in terms of age, sex, breed, the size of the lesion, or the duration of surgery and anesthesia.
• Follow-up information was collected through telephone inquiries from either the owner or the referring veterinarian.

Results

• Post-operative hospitalization was significantly shorter for horses treated via arthroscopy (3 days) as compared to those treated via arthrotomy (14.5 days).
• The proportion of horses that could return to athletic activities post-surgery was also significantly higher in the arthroscopy group. Here, 19 horses could resume athletic activities, and 5 were expected to train in future, as against only 12 horses in the arthrotomy group.
• When compared in terms of lesion severity, the success rate of arthrotomy decreased with increasing severity while that of arthroscopy remained high.
• Owners also perceived a better cosmetic outcome in the arthroscopy group with only 8% horses being considered to have a poor outcome compared to a much higher rate in the arthrotomy group. Fourteen out of sixteen owners reported noticeable scars or joint effusion in horses treated via arthrotomy.

Implications

• The findings suggest that arthroscopy may be a more advantageous surgical procedure for treating osteochondritic lesions in horses’ femoropatellar joint. Advantages include shorter hospital stays, higher likelihood of returning to athletic activities, consistently high success rates regardless of lesion severity, and better cosmetic outcomes.
• The study could significantly influence veterinary surgical decisions for the treatment of osteochondritic lesions in horses, favoring arthroscopy over arthrotomy.