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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Long-term outcome in 44 horses with stifle lameness after arthroscopic exploration and debridement
Jennifer M Cohen1, Dean W Richardson, Alexia L McKnight
1Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. cohenjm@vet.upenn.edu
Objective:
To (1) examine the outcome in horses with osteoarthritis or intra-articular soft tissue injuries of the stifle after arthroscopic exploration and debridement and (2) to determine any imaging or surgical findings that may influence prognosis.
Design:
Case series.
Animals:
Horses (n=44) with lameness referable to the stifle, diagnosed with osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or other intra-articular soft tissue injuries based on arthroscopic examination.
Methods:
Medical records of horses with stifle lameness that had arthroscopic exploration were reviewed. Horses with osteochondrosis lesions, intra-articular fractures, or osseous cyst-like lesions were excluded. Pertinent case information was analyzed and short- and long-term outcome was assessed.
Results:
There was no association between radiographic score and surgery score. Diagnostic ultrasound had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 56% for identifying meniscal injuries. Follow-up information was available for 35 horses; 23 horses (60%) improved after surgery, 16 (46%) became sound, and 13 (37%) returned to their previous level of function. A negative association was observed between age and degree of preoperative lameness and outcome. More severe changes observed on preoperative radiographs were also negatively associated with prognosis. No horses with grade 3 meniscal tears improved postoperatively and increasing meniscal pathology was negatively associated with return to previous function. A weak association between surgery grade and outcome was also observed. Degree of chondral damage, location of primary pathology, and microfracture techniques had no effect on outcome.
Conclusions:
Advanced horse age, severe lameness and preoperative radiographic changes, and presence of large meniscal tears are associated with a negative postoperative outcome for horses with stifle lameness. Appearance of the articular surface at surgery appears to be an inconsistent prognostic indicator.
Clinical Relevance:
Some horses with extensive cartilage damage may return to athletic function after arthroscopic debridement and lavage. A more pessimistic prognosis may be given to older horses, those with more severe preoperative lameness, and those with severe radiographic changes or large meniscal tears.