33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction

Osseous fragments close to the insertion site of the caudal cruciate ligament (CDCL) on the tibia have been described in horses with lameness. Caudomedial approaches are commonly used to assess the caudal compartment of the medial femorotibial joint (FTJ). Improved visualisation of the CDCL insertion has been reported with a cranial intercondylar approach, but access to the caudal medial FTJ was not always achieved.

The objective of this study was to report the clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical procedure, and outcome in a small series of horses with CDCL avulsion fracture.

Cases

Four adult Warmblood horses presented with lameness and avulsion fractures at the insertion site of the tibia diagnosed with radiographs and CT examination were included. In three cases the cranial intercondylar approach was used. Removal of the intra-articular fragments was achieved in all 3 cases. In one case the intercondylar approach was not performed and the fragment was not visible using two mediocaudal portals. No attempt to remove the fragment was undertaken.

Reported complications included acute profuse arterial bleeding during surgery and postoperative fever, moderate cellulitis around the stifle, an episode of colic, and transient triceps myopathy. All four horses were in ridden exercise 7 to 23 months after surgery and owner satisfaction was good.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic assessment and removal of CDCL avulsion fragments at the insertion of the tibia is feasible using a cranial intercondylar access.