SUMMARY Both superficial and full-thickness defects were surgically produced in the articular cartilage on the anteroproximal surface of the third carpal bones in 4 horses and 6 ponies. The animals were euthanatized at intervals of 1,2,4,6, and 8 months postoperatively. The lesions were examined grossly, histologically, and microradiographically. Superficial defects had not healed significantly after 8 months. Full-thickness defects healed through metaplasia of granulation tissue that arose at the articular margin and in the subchondral marrow spaces below. At 1 month, full-thickness defects were covered with granulation tissue which underwent metaplastic change to form fibrocartilage by 4 months and imperfect hyaline cartilage by 6 months. Lesions were found in the opposing articular surfaces of the distal aspect of the radial and intermediate carpal bones. Roughening of the articular cartilage was found at 4 months and osteophyte formation at 8 months.
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W. E. Riddle (1970) studied this question.