Cartilage damage linked to meniscus tears in dogs' knees

Abstract

The objective of this report was to describe arthroscopic findings in dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial meniscal tears in which severe, focal articular cartilage pathology was identified on the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Medical records, radiographic findings, and arthroscopic images of dogs with cartilage lesions of the MFC and medial meniscal tears were reviewed retrospectively. Outerbridge scores were retrieved from operative reports and confirmed by the authorsreview of arthroscopic images. Twelve dogs with 13 affected stifles were included in this study. All stifle joints had complete CCLRs, medial meniscal tears, and focal grade III to IV cartilage lesions of the MFC. Twelve stifles had a displaced vertical longitudinal tear (bucket handle tear) and 1 stifle had a displaced complex tear of the medial meniscus. The cartilage lesions appeared to be in direct contact with the displaced portion of the meniscal tear. It was concluded that medial bucket handle and complex meniscal tears may be associated with an increased risk of focal cartilage defects. An association between meniscal tears and severe cartilage lesions of the MFC would emphasize the importance of evaluating the stifle joint and debriding the torn meniscus during surgical repair of CCLR. Rapid diagnosis and management may limit the amount and severity of cartilage damage. Key clinical message: This case series demonstrated severe focal cartilage defects on the MFCs of 13 stifles with concurrent CCLR and medial meniscal tears.