The vascularization pattern of the equine stifle joint is insufficiently described in the literature, even though there is a growing need for knowledge of the exact blood supply, as (i) arthroscopy and endoscopic surgery techniques are increasingly performed in horses and (ii) ex vivo models of menisci need nutrient supply that mimic the in vivo situation. The aim of this study was to describe the vessels involved in the stifle joint supply and the exact branching pattern of the popliteal artery. Colored latex was injected into the arteries of nine pelvic limbs of equine cadavers (n = 6) to evaluate the occurrences, variations and approximate diameters of vessels that supplied the stifle joints. Next to a branch of the saphenous and descending genicular arteries, eleven branches of the popliteal artery could be described in horses that feed the vascular network of the stifle joint. With a focus on the blood supply of the menisci, a vascularization map was created to show the main influx to these intra-articular structures in detail. These findings are potentially of great importance to both clinicians in preparation of best-suited incisions for arthroscopy and researchers designing new approaches for meniscal studies and choosing suitable animal models.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of total knee arthroplasty, implant alignment has been a central point of discussion. As diverse as the discussed alignment theories are, as uniform is the implant design, which is supposed to be based on the \"average knee.\" Steady upgrades in prosthesis design and modern alignment theories have achieved improvements. However, knee arthroplasty continues to be burdened by a significant percentage of dissatisfied patients. In current knee arthroplasty, femoral implant alignment is referenced by the dorsal and distal condylar axes. The patellofemoral joint variance is not sufficiently considered. Predominantly dorsal and distal referencing at the femoral condyle determines the postoperative shape of the anterior knee joint. The present study investigated a possible relationship between dorsal and distal joint parameters and the patellofemoral joint.
METHODS: In this explorative retrospective monocentric study, MRI cross-sectional images of 100 native knee joints were evaluated. By determining parametric correlations according to Pearson, the study investigates whether the independent variables \"posterior femoral condyle angle\" and \"lateral distal femoral angle\" are related to \"lateral trochlear inclination\", \"patella tilt\", and \"bisect offset\".
RESULTS: The posterior condylar angle significantly correlates with lateral trochlear inclination, patella tilt, and bisect offset. There is a positive correlation with patella tilt and bisect offset but a negative correlation with lateral trochlear inclination. The lateral distal femoral angle did not correlate with the studied parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: The lateral trochlear inclination decreases with an increased posterior femoral condylar angle. The posterior referencing of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty simultaneously establishes the shape of the anterior knee joint. Our results indicate that increasing posterior condyle angles significantly correlate with flattened lateral trochlear inclinations in native knees and suggest a systematic biomechanical conflict in total knee arthroplasty.

Objective  To evaluate the classification proposed by David Dejour to describe trochlear dysplasia of the knee through inter- and intraobserver reproducibility measurements. Methods  Ten patients with trochlear dysplasia were studied. Three physicians, members of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia do Joelho (Brazilian Society of Knee Surgery), were invited to evaluate the images. Intra- and interobserver analyses were performed at one-week intervals. Reproducibility was evaluated in four scenarios: using only radiography; using radiography and tomography; using radiography and consulting the classification; and using radiography and tomography, consulting the classification. Results  The intraobserver evaluation presented discordant results. In the interobserver analysis, the degree of agreement was low for the analyses that used only radiography and excellent for those in which both radiography and tomography were used. Conclusion  The Dejour classification presented a low intra- and interobserver reproducibility when only the profile radiography was used. It was demonstrated that the use of the radiography alone for classification may generate lack of uniformity even among experienced observers. However, when radiography and tomography were combined, reproducibility improved.

Osteochondrosis is common in young, athletic horses. Some lesions respond to conservative therapy. Surgical management is the mainstay of treatment. Arthroscopic debridement is useful in the femoropatellar joint, tarsocrural joint, fetlock joint, and shoulder joint. Debridement is associated with good outcomes, except in the shoulder joint. Osteochondrosis lesions in the elbow may be difficult to access arthroscopically, thereby transosseous debridement. Surgical management of subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle consists of debridement, debridement with grafting, transcondylar screws, and intralesional corticosteroid injection. Surgical management is indicated with lameness and persistent effusion, and in many horses intended for athletic use.