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Indications

Diagnosis of joint pain
of undetermined origin

Determine underlying
causes of degenerative
joint disease noted on
radiographs

Treatment of specific
diseases—OCD, FCP, etc.

“Second look” to evaluate
response to treatment

Evaluation of degenerative
changes in the hip
prior to Triple Pelvic
Osteotomy in young dogs

January 1, 2004

Veterinary Arthroscopy

Why Scope a Joint? The diagnosis and treatment of joint pain has always been a primary presenting complaint in veterinary orthopedics. Historically, diagnostic tests used to determine the etiology of joint disease have been limited to radiology, arthrocentesis, and surgical arthrotomy. Non-invasive imaging such as MRI and CT have also been used; however, these modalities are expensive and sometimes difficult to evaluate in our veterinary patients. Arthroscopy has been used more frequently in human medicine to provide a minimally	Canine Humeral condyle with OCD Lesion
	invasive technique for visualization of joint surfaces and structures. Arthroscopic evaluation of joint structures under magnification allows a more thorough examination than with an arthrotomy, and the ability to evaluate the extent of pathologic change is greatly enhanced. Until recently the equipment and expertise required for veterinary arthroscopy has been cost prohibitive. Due to the increased demand for advanced veterinary care and more definitive answers,	Southeast Veterinary Specialists has recently begun performing clinical arthroscopy. We believe that numerous veterinary patients in the New Orleans area can benefit from an arthrosopic examination. An arthroscopic examination is indicated in any patient with joint pain that cannot be diagnosed with traditional radiographs and palpation. Many joint diseases such as osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) can be treated effectively and non-invasively with arthroscopy. We hope that this new diagnostic test in the arsenal of treatment of joint disease will be a welcome addition.
Case Study	Canine Hip with Neovascularization of the Round Ligament	Canine Elbow Joint with Fragmented Cornoid Process and DJD
Isadora is a 9 month old mixed breed dog with hip dysplasia and a left front leg lameness. No radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease is currently present. A triple pelvic osteotomy was performed on the right hip 2 months ago and she has healed well.	She is now lame on the left rear leg and her owners are considering their surgical options. Although no obvious DJD is present radiographically, cartilage defects may be present. If these are severe, Isadora would not be a good candidate for a TPO. Arthroscopy allows a more thorough evaluation of the hip prior to surgery and allows us to make the proper decision.	Physical examination of Isadora's left front leg revealed pain over the medial aspect of the elbow. Arthroscopy of the elbow confirmed the presence of a fragmented medial coronoid process. Arthroscopic debridement of the FCP was performed, therefore treating the cause of her lameness without the need for an open arthrotomy.

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