Arthroscopic surgery

The use of endoscopic techniques to noninvasively study joints and other affected body cavities began over 60 years ago.  

The early 1970's brought the use of arthroscopy to veterinary medicine as a research and diagnostic tool.  

Recent advances in arthroscopic technique and instrumentation have now provided a viable noninvasive means for exploration and treatment of diseased joints in canine orthopedic surgery. 

The indications for arthroscopic surgery in veterinary medicine are numerous with the shoulder, elbow, and stifle joints receiving the most attention in our practice.  It provides a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical arthrotomy for treatment or diagnosis of cartilage lesions in the joint.  The advantage of arthroscopic exploration of joints includes a greatly magnified image with better detail of cartilage lesions.  

In addition, there is improved access to some areas of the joint for evaluation and most complications are rare and not of significant concern.