An extra-articular surgical approach to subchondral bone cysts in the humeral head and talus in two horses

To date, only a few reports describe the treatment. The present report describes an extraarticular surgical approach, with the insertion of an absorbable implant, to treat a Subchondral cystic lesion (SCL) in the humeral head 3year old racing Thoroughbred & in the talus of a 11year old Arabian horse. SCLs were radiographically visible and associated with severe lameness. Scintigraphy showed focal intense radiopharmaceutical uptake in both cases, and CT scan revealed signs of osteoarthrosis associated with SCL in the talus. The use of a biocompatible, osteoinductive and osteoconductive implant allowed a reduction of the SCL radiographic appearance of at least 70% in both cases and horses returned to their previous athletic activity. The results of the present study might provide substantial information about a new surgical option to treat SCLs in the scapulohumeral and tarsocrural joints and may broaden prognosis and prolong future athletic ability of affected horses.