Subchondral bone cyst in the sulcus intertrochlearis tali – Diagnostics and therapy

Abstract

Subchondral bone cyst in the sulcus intertrochlearis tali -Diagnostics and therapySubchondrale bone cysts are a rare cause of lameness in the horse. In the present case report, a severe lameness of the right hind leg appeared in a ten-year-old Arabian gelding. Consequently, due to a septic arthritis of the talocrural joint and an aseptic arthritis of all three compartments of the right knee, the horse had been treated twice in two months. Six weeks after this treatment, medium-grade, aseptic arthritis of the right stifle joint was diagnosed. This was treated with triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronic acid. The horse was then released with a movement plan and oral pain medication. Ten days after the treatment of the right stifle joint, the horse again showed a severe lameness of the right hind leg. On the side and on the dorsomedial-lateroplantar and dorsoplantar radiograph of the tarsus, a well demarcated, round, radiolucent area of approximately one centimetre in diameter with a radiolucent centre was found in the proximal talus. On the basis of the clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic findings collected, a suspected subchondral bone cyst in the sulcus intertrochlearis was diagnosed and a diagnostic-therapeutic arthroscopy of the tarsal joint was carried out. After three weeks of box rest, a step program was started which was conducted over a period of two months. About three months after the operation, the horse was no longer lame, could trot and be used again..