..Arthroscopic treatment of joint disorders offers minimal morbidity and early return to function over open techniques...

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small diameter telescope to examine and treat conditions of a joint through a very small incision. Arthroscopes are connected to a video camera and the image of the interior of the joint is projected on a monitor. Arthroscopy was developed in the 1920's, however arthroscopy was not adapted for routine use in people until the late 1970's. Today, arthroscopy is the most common orthopedic procedure performed in people. With the advent of small diameter arthroscopes, this technology is now available for our canine companions. Recent technical advances allow arthroscopic management of many conditions that before had only an open surgical alternative through a comparatively large incision.

Arthroscopy offers many advantages over an open surgical technique. The most important advantage is the substantially reduced pain associated with an arthroscopic procedure compared to open techniques. The reduced pain associated with the procedure allows patients to return to weight-bearing function rapidly after the procedure. Additionally, arthroscopy offers a greater view of the entire joint rather than a comparatively limited view with an open arthrotomy. Arthroscopy permits visualization of pathology under magnification allowing detection of early, otherwise indistinguishable changes. 

The disadvantages of arthroscopic procedures include the expense of the equipment, the requirement of an operative team, and the learning curve associated with arthroscopic procedures. 

Joints that are accessible with the arthroscope include the shoulder joint, elbow joint, carpus, hip joint, knee joint, and tarsus. 

Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder joint is very amenable to arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of shoulder disorders. Indications for arthroscopy of the shoulder include osteochondritis dessicans (OCD), biceps tenosynovitis, and intra-articular fractures of the shoulder.

Elbow Arthroscopy
Although the elbow joint is relatively small, arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of disorders of the elbow joint is very feasible. Arthroscopy offers a dramatically increased view over the traditional arthrotomy. Indications for arthroscopy of the elbow include fragmented medial coronoid process, OCD lesion of the medial humeral condyle, un-united anconeal process, and intra-articular fractures of the elbow.

Hip Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy of the hip joint is possible in early dysplasic dogs. This can allow evaluation of the cartilage surface to determine the suitability of a triple pelvic osteotomy or a total hip replacement in young dogs with hip dysplasia. 

Stifle (knee) Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic evaluation of the knee joint allows inspection of the cruciate ligaments, menisci, and cartilage. Arthroscopic evaluation of the knee is especially useful in treatment of cruciate ligament injuries allowing evaluation of structures inside the joint without needing a painful arthrotomy. Arthroscopy can be used in conjunction with stabilization procedures such as the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

Tarsal (hock or ankle) Arthroscopy
The tarsus is accessible for arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of OCD lesions and intra-articular fractures.