Chondromalacia of the femoral condyles is increasingly recognized in sport horses. The typical sign is poor performance or low-grade, often bilateral hindlimb lameness with pain referable to the stifle. Lameness or loss of performance usually becomes evident in younger horses as their work intensity increases.
Mild to moderate effusion of the medial femorotibial and/or femoropatellar joints might be evident in cases of chondromalacia of the femoral condyles. Typically, no radiographic or ultrasonographic signs are evident. Arthroscopic examination of the femorotibial joints reveals abnormally soft, irregular, cracked, pitted, and poorly attached articular cartilage over all or part of the femoral condyles.
Generally, the prognosis for sustained return to athletic soundness is guarded. More studies are required to determine the best form of surgical intervention for horses with chondromalacia of the femoral condyles.
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Also see pet owner content regarding disorders of the stifle in horses.
