What Is The Meniscus In A Horse?

The meniscus is a disc of connective tissue lying between the femur and tibia in the stifle joint.

Where is the meniscus on a horse?

The menisci are two semicircular horseshoe-shaped structures which lie within the stifle joints, between the tibia and femur (thigh bone), and together act as a cushion and stabiliser of the joint.

Do horses have a meniscus?

Injuries to the menisci and the meniscal ligaments are a common cause of stifle lameness in adult horses.

Can a horse recover from a torn meniscus?

Results: A series of 80 meniscal injuries were diagnosed and treated arthroscopically by the authors at the Liphook Equine Hospital and 47% of horses returned to full use.

Why do they shave the meniscus?

The surgeon cuts or shaves away the torn pieces of the meniscus, preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible. The edges of the area are cleaned and smoothed and the rest of the joint inspected for damage.

What is a horses knee called?

Knee – Also called the carpus, the horse’s knee is anatomically similar to the human wrist. It is a plane joint that allows sliding movement. What is this? Report Ad. Hock – The pointed joint that is between the tibia and the cannon bone of the hind limbs.

How do you identify a torn meniscus?

Symptoms

1. A popping sensation.
2. Swelling or stiffness.
3. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.
4. Difficulty straightening your knee fully.
5. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
6. Feeling of your knee giving way.

Why is it called a meniscus?

The term meniscus derives from Greek μηνίσκος meniskos, meaning “crescent”. The word was used for curved things in general, such as a necklace or a line of battle.

Can your knee function without a meniscus?

Living without a meniscus can increase your risk of osteoarthritis and chronic (long-term) knee pain. A torn or injured meniscus can also lead to osteoarthritis. This condition happens when other cartilage in the knee wears away, causing pain and stiffness.

What is the back knee of a horse called?

pisiform
The carpus is located at the front of the knee and the pisiform is the back of the knee. Below the knee is the cannon bone which is also known as the 3rd metacarpal.

Can meniscus tear heal naturally?

In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won’t heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.

Can exercise repair a torn meniscus?

Differing treatment
A doctor may recommend removing the damaged tissue and suggest physical therapy exercises. Physical therapy exercises don’t necessarily heal the meniscus, but they can prevent stiffness. These exercises also help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and stabilize the knee joint.

How do you repair meniscus?

Meniscus repair: The surgeon sews torn pieces of cartilage back together so they can heal on their own. However, because of tear type and blood supply, less than 10%of tears are actually repairable. Partial meniscectomy: The surgeon trims and removes the damaged cartilage and leaves healthy meniscus tissue in place.

What happens if the meniscus is removed?

Without a meniscus, you might gradually develop knee pain and arthritis of your joint. Replacing your meniscus may provide significant pain relief. It may also help prevent arthritis in your joint. This can develop when your cartilage becomes frayed and rough.

Is the meniscus necessary?

Because a meniscus is so important to maintaining proper function of the knee, in many acute injury cases we might recommend a repair. A repair means sewing the torn pieces together. That will maintain the integrity of the meniscus — and thus minimize your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Is it better to remove or repair meniscus?

In most patients, meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal. That’s because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.

Why are horses legs so skinny?

Over time, and more recently through human’s selective breeding, horses developed to be extremely good and fast runners. Mechanically, thinner legs are more efficient which means that, relative to their size, horses have thin legs and therefore fragile ones too.

What is Buck knee in a horse?

Young horses are frequently flexed at the knee or “over in the knee.” This is due to relative tightening of the joint capsule and tendons in the caudal (back) part of the carpus. Most foals grow out of this condition.

Why do horses get big knees?

Unfortunately, if damaged, carpal tendon sheaths tend to produce excess synovial fluid that results in a ‘big knee’. Anti-inflammatories such as Phenylbutazone (bute) and coldhosing or ice packs will bring the swelling down initially but thereafter only time and exercise will reduce it.

How long does meniscus take to heal?

Typically, mild meniscus tears heal within two to three weeks.

Is a meniscus tear painful?

Symptoms of a meniscus tear may be different for each person, but some of the most common symptoms are: Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee. Swelling. Catching or locking of the knee joint.