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Equine veterinary journal2017; 50(1); 60-64; doi: 10.1111/evj.12720

Fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia in horses treated by arthroscopic fragment removal (21 horses).

Abstract: Fractures of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia (MICET) are scarcely reported in horses. Objective: To report the clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and outcome in a series of horses presented with MICET fracture and treated with arthroscopic fragment removal. Methods: Multicentre retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses diagnosed with MICET fractures that had undergone surgical treatment were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained from re-examination visits and/or owners. Results: Twenty-one cases were identified at 9 equine hospitals between 2004 and 2016. A history of trauma and acute onset of lameness was reported in 12 horses. All cases underwent fracture removal via arthroscopy of the medial femorotibial joint. The cranial cruciate ligament was intact in 6 horses and damaged in 15 horses (damage was ≤25% [n = 9], 25-50% [n = 4] or ≥50% [n = 2] of the cross-sectional area). The cranial ligament of the medial meniscus was damaged in 11 horses (≤25% [n = 8], 25-50% [n = 3]). The medial meniscus was damaged in 5 horses and articular cartilage damage was identified in 14 horses (mild [n = 8], moderate [n = 6]). Follow-up information (median 14 months; 4 months-6 years) was available for 20 cases; 2 horses were sound but convalescing; 13 horses were sound and returned to their previous or expected use. Of the 4 horses with the most severe changes to the articular soft tissue structures, 2 remained lame and 2 were subjected to euthanasia because of persistent lameness. Conclusions: The retrospective, multicentre nature of this study and the limited number of horses are the main limitations. Conclusions: Fractures of the MICET are commonly associated with a traumatic event. Prompt diagnosis and early arthroscopic removal of the fracture are recommended.
Publication Date: 2017-08-15 PubMed ID: 28710893PubMed Central: PMC5724496DOI: 10.1111/evj.12720Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Multicenter Study

Summary

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The research discusses a study on horses who had fractures of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia, a rarely reported injury, and were treated through surgical removal of the fractured fragment. The retrospective study reviews cases from various equine hospitals over a twelve-year period to gain insight into treatment outcomes.

Study Design and Objective

The study aims to advance knowledge about clinical findings, diagnostic procedures, treatment strategies, and outcomes for horses that sustained medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia (MICET) fractures. To achieve this, the researchers conducted a thorough, multicenter, retrospective case series study. This involved gathering and analyzing patient records from various equine hospitals on cases of horses that were diagnosed and surgically treated for MICET fractures.

Sample Size and Timeline

  • The study encompassed a total of 21 cases from 9 equine hospitals from 2004 to 2016.
  • Even though these originate from different sources, they all had similar traits—horses that had been diagnosed with and treated for MICET fractures.

Clinical Findings

  • Horses presented with a history of trauma and sudden onset of lameness in 12 instances.
  • All horses underwent arthroscopic removal of the fracture from the medial femorotibial joint.
  • The cranial cruciate ligament remained untouched in 6 of the horses, while for 15 other horses, it was damaged to varying degrees.
  • The cranial ligament of the medial meniscus was also damaged in 11 horses.
  • Further, the medial meniscus in 5 horses and articulatory cartilage in 14 horses were damaged as well.

Results and Conclusion

  • Long-term data, ranging from 4 months to 6 years post-surgery, were available for 20 cases.
  • Two horses were healing while 13 had returned sound and returned to their initial or anticipated use.
  • Of the 4 horses with the most severe changes to the articular soft tissue structures, 2 remained lame, and 2 were euthanized due to persistent lameness.

The study concludes by highlighting the importance of immediate diagnosis and early arthroscopic removal of the fracture. However, it does acknowledge limitations such as the retrospective, multicentre nature of this research and the limited number of horses involved in the study.

Cite This Article

APA
Rubio-Martínez LM, Redding WR, Bladon B, Wilderjans H, Payne RJ, Tessier C, Geffroy O, Parker R, Bell C, Collingwood FA. (2017). Fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia in horses treated by arthroscopic fragment removal (21 horses). Equine Vet J, 50(1), 60-64. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12720

Publication

ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 1
Pages: 60-64

Researcher Affiliations

Rubio-Martínez, L M
  • Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, Wirral, UK.
Redding, W R
  • North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Bladon, B
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
Wilderjans, H
  • Dierenkliniek De Bosdreef, Moerbeke-Waas, Belgium.
Payne, R J
  • Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Tessier, C
  • ONIRIS, Chirurgie et anesthésie, Nantes, France.
Geffroy, O
  • ONIRIS, Chirurgie et anesthésie, Nantes, France.
Parker, R
  • Liphook Equine Hospital, Liphook, Hampshire, UK.
Bell, C
  • Elders Equine Veterinary Service, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Collingwood, F A
  • Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, Wirral, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arthroscopy / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibia / pathology
  • Tibia / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / veterinary

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