Sessions

Lesions of the medial femorotibial joint (MFTJ) are a common cause of lameness localized to the equine stifle. Pathological conditions affecting the MFTJ include articular cartilage lesions of the medial femoral condyle (MFC), injuries of the medial meniscus and associated cranial meniscotibial ligament (MTL), subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs), cruciate ligament injuries, and fractures of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia (MICET). Despite the relatively large number of studies concerning these conditions, the prognosis following treatment remains variable and, in some cases, poorly defined.

The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze clinical cases involving MFTJ lesions diagnosed and treated arthroscopically at the Equine Department and Clinic in Üllő between 2021 and 2026.

A total of 19 horses (20 cases) diagnosed with MFTJ lesions and treated arthroscopically between 2021 and 2026 were included in the study. Clinical records, including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative findings, were reviewed. The lesions were graded according to their extension and severity, following consultation with the clinic’s specialists. Treatment outcomes were assessed via telephone interview using a structured questionnaire. One horse was operated at the end of July 2026; therefore, it was impossible to evaluate the long-term outcome of the treatment.

The majority of the population referred to Hungarian horse breeds (55%). The most common discipline was show jumping (57.9%). The most frequently diagnosed disorder was the cartilage lesion of the MFC (80%, n =16), followed by medial meniscal abnormalities (65%, n = 13), lesions of the MTL (55%, n = 11), cruciate ligament pathologies (30%, n = 6) and MICET fracture (5 %, n = 1). The results demonstrated favorable outcome for 68.4% of horses. Our findings did not prove a statistically significant association between the grades and types of the lesions and the outcome. Among cases with severe-grade injuries, defined as eburnation of the articular cartilage of the MFC and Grade III tears of the medial meniscus, 57.1% showed improvement. This suggests that even in cases of severe MFTJ injuries, there may be a chance for improvement through surgery, potentially enabling affected horses to return to use as leisure horses. No correlation was found between the outcome and concurrent injuries in other compartments of the stifle joint.

The results of this study provide insight into the types and prevalence of MFTJ injuries, as well as the treatment outcomes for horses that underwent arthroscopic intervention over a five-year period. These findings may have clinical significance for prognosticating the prospects for horses to return to an athletic career or leisure use following MFTJ arthroscopic surgery, thereby facilitating the decision-making process for owners regarding surgical treatment.