Autologous osteochondral grafting (mosaic arthroplasty) for treatment of subchondral cystic lesions in the equine stifle and fetlock joints.
OBJECTIVE
To describe treatment of equine subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) by reconstruction of the articular surface with osteochondral grafts.


METHODS
Case series of horses with SBCs unresponsive to conservative therapy.


METHODS
Eleven horses (1-12 years).


METHODS
SBCs were identified in 4 locations: medial femoral condyle (5 horses), lateral femoral condyle (1), distal epiphysis of the metacarpus (4), or metatarsus (1). Osteochondral autograft transplantation (mosaic arthroplasty) was performed, taking grafts from the abaxial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the unaffected limb. Graft implantation was achieved through a small arthrotomy or by arthroscopy depending on SBC location.


RESULTS
All horses improved postoperatively; 10 horses had successful outcomes with radiographic evidence of successful graft incorporation and 7 returned to a previous or higher activity level. On follow-up arthroscopy (5 horses) there was successful reconstitution of a functional gliding surface. One horse had delayed incorporation of a graft because of a technical error but became sound. One horse had recurrence after 4 years of work and soundness. One stallion was used for breeding and light riding because of medial meniscal injuries on the same limb.


CONCLUSIONS
Implantation of osteochondral grafts should be considered for SBC when conservative management has not improved lameness and there is a risk of further joint injury and degeneration.


CONCLUSIONS
Mosaic arthroplasty should be considered for treatment of subchondral bone cysts of the femoral condyle and distal articular surface of the metacarpus/tarsus in horses that are refractory to non-surgical management.
Bodo
Gabor
G
Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Szent Istvan University, Budapest, Hungary.
Hangody
Laszlo
L
Modis
Laszlo
L
Hurtig
Mark
M
D000818:Animals; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000662:veterinary; D001845:Bone Cysts / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000637:transplantation*; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D006085:Graft Survival; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000601:surgery; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery