Arthroscopic debridement of subchondral bone cysts in the distal phalanx of 11 horses (1994-2000).
BACKGROUND
Historically, there has been a consensus that conservative management of subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx carries a poor prognosis. Surgical management has been advocated; however, there are no reports documenting its routine use and successful surgical treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To describe arthroscopically-guided curettage of distal phalangeal subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) and report the qualitative and quantitative results in 11 affected horses age 16-33 months.


METHODS
Medical records of horses with previously treated lameness resulting from SCLs of the third phalanx were reviewed. Arthroscopic debridement of the SCLs was described. Follow-up information was obtained from race records and telephone contact with owners and trainers. The sign-rank test was used to compare performance of operated racehorses to that of unoperated siblings.


RESULTS
Ten of the 11 horses (91%) in the study returned to athletic soundness after surgical treatment and had performance records similar to their siblings.


CONCLUSIONS
Data show that arthroscopic debridement of distal phalangeal SCLs is a viable treatment for affected horses age 16-33 months and can result in a successful return to intended athletic performance. No horses younger than 16 months or older than 33 months were treated and results in horses younger or older than this group may vary in success.


CONCLUSIONS
The description of treatment and approach used for arthroscopic curettage will increase awareness of this option and increase treatment options for this condition.
Story
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MR
Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, PO Box 12070, 2150 Georgetown Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40580, USA.
Bramlage
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D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001845:Bone Cysts / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005552:Forelimb / Q000601:surgery*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000601:surgery*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome