Subchondral lucencies of the proximal tibia in 17 horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe subchondral lucencies (SCL) in the equine proximal tibia, several treatment options, and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventeen horses with proximal tibial SCL. METHODS: Medical record and radiograph review. Follow-up was obtained via examination and radiography when possible and by telephone and race records when required. The median duration of follow-up was 20 months (range, 0-48). RESULTS: Proximal tibial SCL were associated with lameness in 14 of 17 horses. Subchondral lucencies were primary in 11 horses and secondary to an ipsilateral medial femoral condyle SCL in six horses. One foal with a primary SCL was euthanized because of osteomyelitis. Six horses