Concurrent or sequential development of medial meniscal and subchondral cystic lesions within the medial femorotibial joint in horses (1996–2006)

Authors
S. M. HENDRIX, G. M. BAXTER, C. W. Mc ILWRAITH † ‡ , D. A. HENDRICKSON, L. R. GOODRICH, D. D. FRISBIE † and G. W. TROTTER §
Date
January 2010
Journal
Equine Veterinary Journal 2010
Volume
42
Number
1
Pages
5 - 9

Reasons for performing study: Medial meniscal injuries and subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) are known to occur independently within the medial femorotibial (MFT) joint in horses. However, there are no reports of a potential clinical relationship between these 2 types of lesions.

Objectives: To: 1) document the concurrent presence or sequential development of medial meniscal and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint; and 2) determine the prognosis with both types of lesions.

Methods: Retrospective case series of horses with both a medial meniscal and SCL of the medial femoral condyle identified concurrently or sequentially by radiography, arthroscopy or post mortem examination. Case records and radiographs were reviewed, and a telephone survey of referring veterinarians, owners and trainers was conducted.

Results: Twenty-one horses (9.1% of all horses undergoing MFT joint arthroscopy) were identified to have both a medial meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle. Thirteen horses had both abnormalities identified concurrently, 6 developed a meniscal lesion subsequent to SCL debridement, and 2 developed a SCL subsequent to a medial meniscal injury. Only 4/19 horses were classified as successful and returned to their intended use. The severity of the meniscal injury was significantly associated with the severity of lameness but not with outcome.

Conclusions: A low percentage of horses may develop both a meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint and have a poor prognosis.

Potential relevance: Trauma to the MFT joint may lead to both meniscal and subchondral bone damage of the medial femoral condyle that may be recognised concurrently or sequentially.