Articular Cartilage Lesions Associated with Degenerative Lateral Meniscal Tears in the Dog

Introduction: The incidence of medial meniscal tears and associated articular cartilage (AC) pathology are well described in the veterinary literature. However, little has been reported relative to the occurrence of lateral meniscal tears in the dog. The purpose of this study is to report the occurrence of degenerative lateral meniscal tears and associated AC pathology in dogs.

Materials and Methods: Medical records (2006–2017) of dogs diagnosed with a degenerative lateral meniscal tear were examined. To be included, medical record and arthroscopic images must be available. Data included breed, age, weight, sex and integrity of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), caudal cruciate ligament (CdCL), medial meniscus and lateral meniscus.

Results: Sixteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. There was degeneration of the caudal body of the lateral meniscus leading to multiple, complete radial tears with significant AC lesions of the lateral compartment.

Discussion/Conclusion: In the present study, dogs with degenerative radial tears of the lateral meniscus had significant AC lesions in the lateral compartment. Significant increases in peak contact pressure after loss of the integrity of the meniscus may explain why severe AC lesions occur in the lateral compartment compared with the medial compartment with loss of meniscal function. The majority of dogs had functional CrCL and a stable joint suggesting that degenerative lateral meniscal tears are commonly isolated injuries. Of interest, Boxers are over represented in this population; the reason for this finding is unknown and needs further study.

Acknowledgement: There was no proprietary interest of funding provided.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).