Evaluation of meniscal and articular cartilage lesions in femoral and tibial condyles in dogs without cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency: cadaveric study

Background The menisci have essential functions, such as impact absorption, joint stability, lubrication, and load support. Meniscal injuries can lead to the development of osteoarthritis, with the medial meniscus being the most frequently affected in dogs, usually associated with cranial cruciate ligament instability. Although lateral meniscal injuries are described as less common, studies report a high incidence in cases of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency, suggesting that their prevalence may be underestimated. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of medial or lateral meniscal injuries and cartilage lesions on the tibial and femoral condyles in cadaveric dogs with intact cranial cruciate ligaments, and to correlate the meniscal injuries with the tibial plateau angle and the presence of condylar lesions. Methods 192 canine stifles joints were evaluated. All limbs underwent radiographic evaluation to exclude musculoskeletal abnormalities and to calculate the tibial plateau angle. All stifles were dissected, and the menisci, tibial and femoral condyles were stained with 20% India ink. Results Lesions were found in 29 medial menisci and 28 lateral menisci. Cartilage lesions were identified in 52 medial femoral condyles and 46 lateral femoral condyles. In the tibia, lesions were found in 94 medial condyles and 63 lateral condyles. A significant association was identified when comparing lesions in the femoral and tibial condyles (both lateral and medial) with lesions in the medial and lateral menisci. There was no statistical difference in the average tibial plateau angle between limbs with and without meniscal lesions. Conclusions There are lesions in medial and lateral menisci even with intact cranial cruciate ligaments. It was possible to identify lesions in the cartilage of lateral and medial femoral and tibial condyles using India ink, and those are correlated with menisci lesions.