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Published on: October 20, 2023
Arthroscopic treatment of meniscal cysts in the horse
H D Sparks1, A J Nixon, K J Boening
1Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Insights
Meniscal cysts in horses can cause lameness. Arthroscopic surgery to remove these cysts effectively resolves lameness, with most horses showing sound recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Orthopedics
Background:
- Meniscal cysts are an uncommon cause of lameness in horses.
- These structures have not been well-described in veterinary literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of horses with meniscal cysts.
- To establish meniscal cysts as a treatable cause of equine lameness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven horses treated for meniscal cysts.
- Procedures included arthroscopic cyst excision and meniscal debridement.
- Outcomes assessed via veterinary re-examination and owner contact.
Main Results:
- Five of seven horses had lameness linked to femorotibial joint issues.
- Two horses had incidental findings during surgery for osteochondritis dissecans.
- Five of six horses with long-term follow-up were sound; one improved.
Conclusions:
- Meniscal cysts are an uncommon but significant cause of progressive lameness in horses.
- Arthroscopic surgical excision leads to symptom resolution or improvement.
- No recurrence was observed during follow-up examinations.
Reasons For Performing Study:
To describe the clinical symptoms, treatment, and outcome of meniscal cysts in horses. These structures have not been previously described in the literature as a potential cause of lameness in the horse.
Hypothesis:
Meniscal cysts are an uncommon condition of the femorotibial joint but can be a significant cause of lameness. Symptoms can be resolved by arthroscopic excision.
Methods:
Records of horses diagnosed with meniscal cysts and treated by cyst excision and meniscal debridement at 2 surgical practices were reviewed. Clinical outcome was determined by repeat veterinary examination and contact with owner.
Results:
Seven cases of meniscal cyst were treated with arthroscopic cyst excision and meniscal debridement. Five of 7 horses had lameness attributable to femorotibial joint pathology, while the remaining 2 horses had meniscal cysts found incidentally during diagnostic arthroscopy for the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. Five of 6 horses with long-term follow-up were sound and a 7th horse was improved 11 months after surgery.
Conclusions And Potential Relevance:
Meniscal cysts, while uncommon, can be associated with progressive lameness in the horse. Surgical excision of the cysts results in resolution or improvement of symptoms, without evidence of recurrence on follow-up examination.