Reattachment of the articular cartilage component of type 1 subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle with polydioxanone pins in 3 horses.

The research article discusses the successful use of polydioxanone pins in treating three horses suffering from subchondral cystic lesions on their medial femoral condyles, an impairment causing lameness. By reattaching the impacted cartilage and implanting a biological graft, the researchers were able to eliminate the clinical signs and improve the horses’ conditions.

Findings from the Research

• The study found that the three horses presented for treatment were suffering from lameness directly linked to radiographically visible subchondral cystic lesions on one or both of their medial femoral condyles.
• An arthroscopic examination of the affected cartilage revealed it had an undulating structure with a relatively smooth surface and a large articular component and shallow subchondral depth.
• Resorbable polydioxanone pins were used during arthroscopic surgery to reattach the detached cartilage over the cystic regions.
• Post reattachment of the cartilage, a biological graft, either bone marrow aspirate concentrate or allogeneic chondrocytes, was injected into the depths of the cystic cavity.

Post-Treatment Observations and Conclusion

• Subsequent examinations indicated the successful resolution of the lesion with the clinical signs of the associated condition eliminated in the treated femorotibial joint.
• The study concluded that lesions associated with a large area of affected articular cartilage could decrease the rate of return to athletic function in horses after arthroscopic debridiment. The researchers attributed this trend to the loss of subchondral architecture and the formation of imperfect fibrocartilage repair.
• However, preserving the affected cartilage in a selected population of horses showing continual but shallow expansion of subchondral cystic lesions on the medial femoral condyle could improve both the radiographic and clinical outcome.

The study, therefore, introduces a viable method for treating and improving the conditions of horses suffering from subchondral cystic lesions on their medial femoral condyles.