Diagnostic stifle joint arthroscopy using a needle arthroscope in standing horses

• Published in: Veterinary surgery 2014-01, Vol.43 (1), p.12-18
• Main Authors: Frisbie, David D., Barrett, Myra F., McIlwraith, C. Wayne, Ullmer, Jeff
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arthroscopy; Arthroscopy - methods; Arthroscopy - veterinary; Horse Diseases - diagnosis; Horse Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Horse Diseases - surgery; Horses; Horses - surgery; Joint Diseases - diagnosis; Joint Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Joint Diseases - surgery; Joint Diseases - veterinary; Joint surgery; Needles - veterinary; Posture; Stifle - diagnostic imaging; Stifle - surgery; Ultrasonography; Veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0161-3499; 1532-950X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.12068.x

ABSTRACT Objective To assess use of an 18 g arthroscope for diagnostic stifle joint examination in the standing horse. Study Design Phase 1 used cadaver limbs and simultaneous ultrasonographic assessment. Phase 2 used 6 normal horses where stifles were assessed in both a standing and flexed position. Phase 3 used horses with suspected stifle injury or disease. Animals Normal horses (n = 6) to assess ability to perform diagnostic procedure (phase 2) and 3 clinical cases (phase 3). Methods Five cadaver limbs were used in phase 1 to assess all stifle joints. Phase 2 used standing sedated and locally anesthetized horses. Routine arthroscopic approaches were used in both weight bearing and flexed nonweight bearing positions. In both phase 1 and 2 simultaneous ultrasonographic and arthroscopic examinations were used to confirm extent of diagnostic examination. The methods developed in phase 2 were used to examine the stifle in 3 horses with suspected stifle disease. Results In cadaveric limbs and horses, all intra articular structures that constitute a complete arthroscopic examination were identified; no intra ‐or postoperative morbidity occurred. In phase 3, the needle arthroscope was used in accurate identification of pathologic change and in 1 horse, an osteochondral fragment not detected by ultrasonography and radiography was identified. Conclusions This preliminary work indicates that an 18 g arthroscope can be used for diagnostic examination of the equine stifle in standing horses.