Understanding stifles

 effectively in young horses if it is detected early. The abnormal cartilage and bone fragments are cleaned and removed from the joint using minimally invasive keyhole surgery. If the condition Is left untreated It may lead to the development of arthritis and long-term lameness.

Patella fractures

Cross country fences can be a culprit for patella fractures which is why this type of injury is most frequently seen in event horses. If the fractured fragments are small they can be removed using keyhole surgery and the prognosis is usually good but major fractures or those with open wounds are likely to have a less optimistic outcome.

Arthritis of the stifle

Most of the joints within the stifle can be affected by arthritis and because of the extensive motion of the joint it can be difficult to treat. Intra-articular medications are normally used to reduce pain and improve joint movement.

Bone cysts

Subchondral bone cysts can form on the layer of bone below the cartilage within or around the joints of the stifle. They can cause swelling and lameness, but some horses may respond well to rest. Others may be treated successfully with medication injected directly into the cysts.

Meniscal injuries

Injuries to the meniscus, which is the thin cartilage between the surfaces of the various joints within the stifle, can be very serious and usually causes severe lameness, initially. In some cases surgery may be needed to explore the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity, confined rest followed by a controlled programme of exercise may eventually lead to a return to full work.

Cruciate ligament tears

The cruciate ligaments lie deep within the stifle joint, making injuries difficult to identify and surgical exploration is usually the most effective diagnostic option. Partial ligament tears are more common than ruptures but the resulting joint instability can lead to arthritis and a return to athletic performance is unlikely.

Collateral ligament damage

This strong ligament keeps the stifle joint together. Injuries are normally caused by trauma, resulting in pain and swelling. Mild sprains of the collateral ligament can often be resolved with rest and controlled exercise but complete ruptures have a poor prognosis.

While the variety of stifle injuries and the complexity of the joint can make injuries hard to diagnose, in many cases it’s not all gloom and doom; often the prognosis can be positive with the right treatment. As with any lameness it’s important to call your vet as soon as you can, for advice and to book a lameness examination.