Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

This research paper examines the outcomes and key influencing factors in Western performance horses who underwent stifle arthroscopy (a surgical procedure in the knee joint) due to lameness issues. It reveals that less than half of the horses returned to their expected athletic performance, with older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions diminishing the chances of recovery. Postoperative therapies did not significantly alter these outcomes.

Methods

The researchers retrospectively analyzed records of 82 Western performance horses who underwent stifle arthroscopy due to lameness localized to the knee joint. The horses were involved in various Western performance disciplines including cutting, Western pleasure, and reining.

• The horses’ records were examined for preoperative and intraoperative findings, as well as postoperative treatment.
• Information about the horses’ return to athletic performance was obtained from follow-up telephone interviews with the owners conducted at least 2 years post-surgery.

Results

The results showed that:

• Approximately 40% of the horses returned to their intended athletic performance after surgery.
• Older horses were less likely to return to their athletic performance.
• Horses with a higher degree of lameness or longer duration of lameness before surgery were less likely to return to their athletic performance.
• Horses with partial-thickness cartilage lesions (damage to the cartilage in the knee joint) were less likely to return to athletic performance.

The researchers also found that postoperative therapies, including both intra-articular treatments (administered within the joint) and systemic treatments (administered throughout the body), did not influence whether horses returned to their intended use.

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that fewer than half of the horses returned to their intended use after stifle arthroscopy. Older age, a longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions decreased the likelihood of a horse’s return to its intended use. Postoperative therapies did not significantly affect the horses’ return to their athletic performance. Overall, the researchers noted that the prognosis for Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as protected as for horses involved in other disciplines.