Reattachment of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions in the Lateral Femoral Trochlear Ridge With Bioabsorbable Screws in 4 Yearling Standardbreds.

The research focuses on a new surgical method for treating a bone and cartilage disorder found in horses. The condition, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), was treated in four yearling Standardbred horses using bioabsorbable screws for reattaching the lesions. The horses, which were followed up post-operation for a year, demonstrated positive healing outcomes and could return to regular training.

Condition and Treatment Method

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint condition where a fragment of bone begins to separate from its surrounding region due to inadequate blood supply. Thus, this fragment, along with the cartilage that covers it, starts to crack and may detach from the surrounding bone.
• The researchers opted for a novel approach to treat this condition in the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur (LTRF) in Standardbred yearling horses.
• They aimed to reattach these OCD lesions using bioabsorbable screws.

Surgery Procedure and Follow-up

• Four yearling Standardbred horses with a total of six OCD lesions underwent surgical fixation. The procedure was conducted under arthroscopic guidance, a minimally invasive surgical process.
• The screws used in this treatment were 3.0/3.7 mm headless bio-compression and absorbable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA).
• The screws were inserted perpendicularly to the cartilage surface through the lesion for reattachment.
• All surgeries were successful without complications, and the horses were discharged from the hospital.
• The researchers collected data for clinical and radiological follow-up at six and twelve months post-operation.

Results of the Study

• All horses showed successful healing of the OCD lesions based on radiographic evaluations.
• The effusion or swelling in the femoro-patellar joint was reduced in these cases.
• All yearlings were successfully trained as racehorses post-operation, indicating the technique did not obstruct the horses’ ability to perform in sports.

Conclusion

Thus, the study provides evidence for the efficacy of a novel surgical technique using bioabsorbable screws for the treatment of OCD in horses. This not only proved successful for healing the lesions but also allowed the young horses to return to their regular training routines.