Reattachment of osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the lateral femoral trochlear ridge with bioabsorbable screws in yearling standardbreds

This case series describes an alternative surgical technique to obtain reattachment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur (LTRF) as well as the clinical and radiological outcome of treated cases. Four Standardbred yearlings (6 lesions in total) underwent surgical fixation of large OCD defects in the LTRF under arthroscopic guidance. Reattachment of the OCD lesions was obtained using 3.0/3.7 mm headless bio- compression and absorbable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) screws, inserted perpendicularly to the cartilage surface through the lesion. All horses were discharged from the hospital without complications. Clinical and radiological follow-up were collected and reviewed at 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Successful healing of the OCD lesions occurred in all cases based on radiographic evaluations, associated with a reduction of femoro-patellar effusion. All horses presented in this case series were able to enter regular training program as racehorses.