Evaluation of cartilage lesions on the medial femoral condyle as a cause of lameness in horses: 11 cases (1988-1994)
Schneider, R.K.; Jenson, P.; Moore, R.M.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(11): 1649-1652
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9170097 Document Number: 481038
Medical records of 11 horses that had cartilage lesions on the medial femoral condyle detected during arthroscopy of the stifle were studied. Signalment, history, lameness examination, response to intra-articular anaesthesia, radiographs of the stifle, observations during diagnostic arthroscopy, and treatment were extracted from each record. Follow-up examinations and outcome were available for all horses. All horses in the study had lameness, but their gait improved after intra-articular injection of anaesthetic. Abnormalities were not observed on radiography of the stifle. Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed on 12 affected joints in 11 horses. Cartilage was dimpled, wrinkled, and infolded, and a blunt arthroscopic probe could be inserted into the subchondral bone. In addition to focal lesions, 4 horses had generalized damage to cartilage on the medial femoral condyle. Focal cartilage lesions on the femoral condyle were debrided. In 2 horses, debridement was not performed because of extensive generalized damage to the cartilage. Six of 7 horses with focal cartilage lesions treated by debridement recovered completely and resumed previous activities.