Radionuclide, radiographic, and histomorphometric evaluation of healing of surgically created subchondral defects in equine bone

In the present study, radionuclide scintigraphy and radiography were used to evaluate the rate and degree of healing that occurred in surgically created subchondral bone defects in horses. Following radionuclide scintigraphy and radiography the horses were killed, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on the defect sites. The histomorphometric results were compared to the radionuclide scintigraphic and radiographic results to determine which noninvasive technique provided the most accurate information concerning healing of the bone defects. It was concluded that radionuclide scintigraphy and radiographic evaluation seemed equally well suited for use in serial evaluation of healing of surgically created bone defects. However, it was felt that the most accurate assessment of healing of the bone defects and effects in the adjacent bone could be provided by combining the two methods of evaluation.