The use of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution is safe in an equine stifle joint model but does not reduce joint swelling.

The research studied whether using a hyperosmolar irrigation solution in equine stifle joint operations could reduce tissue swelling without causing detrimental effects. However, it found that the solution did not lessen swelling more than a hypoosmolar solution, yet it caused no harmful effects to tissue viability or water content.

Methodology

• A prospective, blinded, and randomized controlled trial was carried out, in which two different irrigation solutions – lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS; 273 mOsm/L) and a hyperosmolar (600 mOsm/L) solution – were used in medial femorotibial joint (MFTJ) arthroscopies on eight adult horses.
• The primary outcomes were the quantification of periarticular fluid retention, gauged via changes in stifle joint girth and ultrasonographic criteria.
• Other factors assessed include tissue water content and the viability of articular cartilage, which was determined through a microscopic fluorescent cell viability staining system.

Results

• Post-procedural joint swelling showed no significant difference between the LRS and hyperosmolar treatment groups.
• Increases in femorotibial joint dimensions were seen in both groups, based on ultrasonographic and caliper measurements.
• Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content remained undisturbed in both groups, showing that neither of the solutions had a statistically significant impact.

Conclusions

• Merely increasing the osmolarity of the irrigation solution did not drastically affect chondrocyte viability or contribute to altering tissue water content.
• However, using a hyperosmolar irrigation solution did not lessen the tissue swelling for equine stifle joint during the procedures. So, while the hyperosmolar solution was safe, it did not demonstrate the prospective benefit of reducing swelling in equine joint surgery.