DIAGNOSTIC ARTHROSCOPY OF STIFLE JOINT IN HORSES : THREE CASES

摘要

Clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic evaluations were carried out in three Indian Thoroughbred horses with stifle lameness. Radiographic examination of the stifle joint did not show any bony lesions. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle joint revealed partial rupture of cranial cruciate ligament with avulsion of tibial eminence at the point of insertion of cranial cruciate ligament in first horse, osteochondritis dissecans on the medial border of patella and medial trochlear ridge in second horse and early degenerative joint disease of femoropatellar joint in the third horse. A comprehensive approach to diagnose the stifle lameness was effective for immediate treatment, pain free ambulation and assessment of prognosis. Clinical examination confirmed the seat of location in horses with stifle lameness reported in this study. Survey radiography was of no diagnostic value as there was no bony lesions whereas arthroscopy was proved to be a valuable diagnostic modality to diagnose the involvement of soft tissue or articular cartilage.