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Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire1988; 52(1); 137-146;

Effects of lesion size and location on equine articular cartilage repair.

Abstract: The mechanisms and completeness of equine articular cartilage repair were studied in ten horses over a nine month period. Large (15 mm square) and small (5 mm square) full-thickness lesions were made in weight bearing and nonweight bearing areas of the radiocarpal, middle carpal and femoropatellar joints. The horses were euthanized in groups of two 1, 2.5, 4, 5 and 9 months later. Gross pathology, microradiography, and histopathology were used to evaluate qualitative aspects of articular repair. Computer assisted microdensitometry of safranin-O stained cartilage sections was used to quantitate cartilage matrix proteoglycan levels. Structural repair had occurred in most small defects at the end of nine months by a combination of matrix flow and extrinsic repair mechanisms. Elaboration of matrix proteoglycans was not complete at this time. Statistically better healing occurred in small weight bearing lesions, compared to large or nonweight bearing lesions. Synovial and perichondrial pannus interfered with healing of osteochondral defects that were adjacent to the cranial rim of the third carpal bone. Clinical and experimental experience suggests that these lesions are unlikely to heal, whereas similar lesions in the radiocarpal and femoropatellar joints had satisfactory outcomes. Observations made in this study support the use of early postoperative ambulation, passive flexion of operated joints, and recuperative periods of up to a year for large cartilage defects.
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Publication Date: 1988-01-01 PubMed ID: 3349393PubMed Central: PMC1255413
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the repair mechanisms of equine articular cartilage, focusing on how lesion size and location can affect the healing process. It suggests that smaller weight-bearing lesions have better healing outcomes than larger or nonweight bearing lesions, shedding light on effective treatment strategies for equine joint injuries.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study investigated the mechanisms and efficiency of equine articular cartilage repair for a period of nine months in ten horses.
  • Researchers created large (15 mm square) and small (5 mm square) full-thickness lesions on both weight-bearing and nonweight bearing areas of the radiocarpal, middle carpal, and femoropatellar joints.
  • The subjects were euthanized in groups of two at varying time intervals and underwent pathological examinations and microdensitometry of safranin-O stained cartilage sections to assess qualitative aspects of repair and cartilage matrix proteoglycan levels.

Findings

  • At the end of nine months, most small defects showed structural repair through a combination of matrix flow and extrinsic repair mechanisms.
  • The elaboration of matrix proteoglycans was not completed at this time.
  • Small lesions found in weight-bearing areas healed significantly better than large ones or those in nonweight bearing areas.
  • Synovial and perichondrial pannus, a form of fibrous tissue, interfered with the healing of osteochondral defects, particularly those near the cranial rim of the third carpal bone.

Implications and Recommendations

  • The study suggests that these injuries, located near the cranial rim of the third carpal bone, are unlikely to properly heal, whereas similar injuries in other locations (radiocarpal and femoropatellar joints) had better outcomes.
  • The findings from this research support the use of a post-surgical care regime that includes early postoperative ambulation, passive flexion of the operated joints, and a recuperative period that can last up to a year for large cartilage defects.

Cite This Article

APA
Hurtig MB, Fretz PB, Doige CE, Schnurr DL. (1988). Effects of lesion size and location on equine articular cartilage repair. Can J Vet Res, 52(1), 137-146.

Publication

Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire
ISSN: 0830-9000
NlmUniqueID: 8607793
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 1
Pages: 137-146

Researcher Affiliations

Hurtig, M B
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.
Fretz, P B
    Doige, C E
      Schnurr, D L

        MeSH Terms

        • Analysis of Variance
        • Animals
        • Cartilage, Articular / injuries
        • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
        • Cartilage, Articular / physiopathology
        • Densitometry
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
        • Horses
        • Microcomputers
        • Microradiography
        • Regeneration
        • Wound Healing

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        This article has been cited 16 times.
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