Mosaic arthroplasty in equine stifle and fetlock joints: A retrospective study of 31 cases between 1998 and 2023.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical application of equine mosaic arthroplasty for joint surface repair, including outcomes and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

ANIMALS

A total of 31 horses diagnosed with subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) in the femoral condyle (22/31), distal metacarpus (7/31), or metatarsus (2/31).

METHODS

Medical records of horses that underwent autologous or allogeneic osteochondral graft transplantation were reviewed. Follow-up lasted at least 12 months. Success was determined in terms of improvements in lameness and post-surgical athletic performance, classified as successful, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory.

RESULTS

In total, 68% (21/31) of horses regained soundness and resumed athletic performance at the same or higher level than before surgery. Furthermore, 22% (7/31) and 10% (3/31) exhibited satisfactory and unsatisfactory results, respectively. Seven horses underwent follow-up arthroscopy to treat complications or residual lameness. Among horses with femoral condyle SBCs, 68% (15/22) achieved successful outcomes, compared with 67% (6/9) of those with fetlock SBCs. Age (≤3 vs. >3 years) did not appear to influence outcomes in stifle cases. Horses receiving fewer implanted grafts showed a tendency toward better recovery.

CONCLUSION

Mosaic arthroplasty improved lameness in 90% of this mixed-age equine population, with 68% regaining soundness and successfully returning to athletic performance. Unlike other techniques reporting success primarily in 2- and 3-year-old horses, this method could provide an effective surgical alternative for both young and mature horses with SBCs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mosaic arthroplasty may serve as a viable surgical option for managing SBCs.