Cartilage defect repair in horses: Current strategies and recent developments in regenerative medicine of the equine joint with emphasis on the surgical approach.
Authors: Cokelaere Stefan, Malda Jos, van Weeren René
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Cartilage and bone-cartilage lesions in horses represent a significant clinical problem, frequently progressing to osteoarthritis and chronic joint dysfunction if left untreated. This 2016 review by Cokelaere, Malda and van Weeren synthesised established and emerging surgical approaches for cartilage repair in equine joints, drawing on regenerative medicine strategies that have demonstrated increasing clinical viability. The authors examined both conventional techniques (such as microfracture and debridement) and newer regenerative approaches (including cell-based therapies and scaffolding systems), evaluating their efficacy in restoring functional articular cartilage. Whilst complete cartilage restoration remains technically challenging due to the tissue's limited intrinsic healing capacity, the review identified growing scientific and clinical evidence supporting several surgical interventions, suggesting that broader adoption of these techniques could improve long-term joint outcomes. For equine practitioners, awareness of these evolving surgical options may guide more informed decision-making in cases of cartilage injury, potentially preventing progression to degenerative joint disease and extending athletic careers.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Surgeons should familiarize themselves with both traditional and novel cartilage repair techniques to expand treatment options for horses with joint injuries
- •Early intervention with regenerative medicine approaches may help prevent or delay progression to osteoarthritis in horses with cartilage defects
- •Understanding the expanding surgical possibilities for cartilage repair may encourage adoption of innovative techniques in clinical practice
Key Findings
- •Chondral and osteochondral lesions are highly prevalent in horses and commonly progress to osteoarthritis and joint deterioration
- •Regenerative medicine represents an emerging clinical treatment option for articular cartilage injury with increasing scientific and clinical evidence
- •Multiple established and emerging surgical techniques exist for cartilage repair in equine joints, with rapid progress in the field