Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure in which an examination and treatment of a joint can be performed. Arthroscopic exploration and evaluation can be done on most joints including shoulders, elbows, carpi (wrists), hips, stifles (knees) and tarsi (ankles). With arthroscopic procedures you can expect:

  • Minimally invasive, therefore less trauma to tissues and less pain for the patient
  • Smaller incisions due to smaller specialized surgical intsruments
  • Reduced pain
  • Faster healing and recovery times
  • Less bleeding during the surgical procedure
  • Shorter and more precise surgeries
  • Shorter anesthetic times
  • Less scarring

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The Procedure

Arthroscopic procedures require the patient to be under general anesthesia. The affected joint(s) are then shaved and surgically prepped. Several small incisions (5mm each) are made to allow insertion of the arthrscope and surgical instruments. A sterile fluid is pumped into the joint(s) to maintain irrigation and visualization of the surgical field. A fibre-optic cable system, connected to a light source, is inserted into the joint space an the surgical procedure is performed using specialized instruments.

These procedures permit very detailed visualization and exploration of internal anatomcial structures in the space. This technique aids the surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions such as:

  • Ligament and tendon disease
  • Cruciate ligament disease (knee)
  • Meniscal injury (knee)
  • Joint instability
  • Osteochondrosis
  • Fragmented medial coronoid process (elbow)
  • Un-united anconeal process (elbow)
  • Chronic pain and lameness
  • Cartilage deterioration
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Osteoarthritis
    In general, any joint can be evaluated for disease

For further information regarding arthroscopy, please consult one of our trained veterinary professionals.