Osteoarthritis of the Stifle in Horses

Osteoarthritis of the femorotibial or femoropatellar joints can follow any stifle injury.

Diagnosis is confirmed via intra-articular anesthesia and radiography. Radiographic changes include periarticular remodeling with osteophyte formation and remodeling of the joint margins (particularly the medial tibial plateau), changes (sclerosis or lucency) in the subchondral bone, narrowing of the joint space, and dystrophic mineralization of the soft tissues.

The prognosis for athletic soundness in horses with osteoarthritis of the stifle is poor, and treatment is usually palliative. Arthroscopy might offer some relief by way of debridement and joint lavage. Regenerative therapies might be useful in stifles affected with osteoarthritis.