Osteochondral fragmentation in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock and to characterize their morphology.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Warmblood horses (n=104) with fragment(s) in the synovial pad.


METHODS
Signalment and results of radiographic and clinical examination were collected before surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, fragments were measured, and evaluated by histopathology.


RESULTS
Synovial pad fragments (n=142) were removed from 127 fetlocks. Two older horses had lameness. During arthroscopy, abnormalities were observed in 40 joints (31.5%) and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the observed arthroscopic abnormalities and the presence of large fragments (P=.016). Fragments were osteochondral bodies completely surrounded by fibrous tissue. At the edges of the hyaline cartilage cap an underlying fibrous structure was obvious in the extracellular matrix giving it a reactive pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the impact on lameness was minimal, there was a significant correlation between arthroscopic abnormalities and presence of large synovial pad fragments. On histopathology, these osteochondral fragments are embedded in fibrous tissue and show a reactive pattern. They are not a manifestation of any well-described joint pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
Large synovial pad fragments in Warmblood horses can be associated with synovial and cartilage abnormalities, but further studies are warranted to determine their origin and clinical importance.
Declercq
Jeroen
J
Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. jeroen.declercq@UGent.be
Martens
Ann
A
Bogaert
Lies
L
Boussauw
Bernard
B
Forsyth
Ramses
R
Boening
Karl Josef
KJ
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery