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Veterinary surgery : VS2020; 49(3); 445-454; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13375

Diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the tarsocrural joint in standing sedated horses.

Abstract: To develop and assess a needle arthroscopic technique to diagnose conditions of the tarsocrural joint (TCj) in standing sedated horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Six cadaveric hind limbs (phase 1) and six healthy horses (Phase 2). Methods: In phase 1, each TCj was examined with a 1.2-mm-needle arthroscope. Suitability of the needle arthroscope and degree of joint visualization with traditional arthroscopic approaches were assessed. In phase 2, the feasibility of the procedure was assessed in six standing healthy horses. A custom-made splint and base were developed to maintain joint flexion during the procedure. Results: Thorough evaluation of the dorsal intra-articular structures of the TCj via dorsomedial and dorsolateral approaches was possible in both phases. The procedure was feasible, quickly performed, and well tolerated by all horses. Complications consisted of moderate movement (2/6 horses) and hemarthrosis (3/6 horses). Conclusions: Diagnostic standing needle arthroscopy of the TCj allowed thorough evaluation of the dorsal aspect of the joint while avoiding the cost and risks associated with general anesthesia. Inadvertent puncture of the dorsomedial vasculature with the cannula and obturator led to significant hemarthrosis. Conclusions: Needle arthroscopy of the TCj offers an alternative diagnostic tool when traditional imaging techniques (radiography and ultrasonography) are unrewarding or nondiagnostic. The technique is conceived mainly for diagnostic purposes, but its use during short interventions warrants investigation.
© 2020 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2020-01-13 PubMed ID: 31943288DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13375Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research is about developing a needle arthroscopy technique to diagnose conditions affecting the tarsocrural joint on standing, sedated horses. This investigation aims to mitigate the associated risks and high costs of general anesthesia in traditional imaging methods.

Research Method

The research is divided into two Phases:

  • Phase 1 involved experimentation on six cadaveric hind limbs. The tarsocrural joints were examined with a 1.2-mm-needle arthroscope, assessing the suitability of the arthroscope and the degree of joint visualization compared to traditional arthroscopic approaches.
  • Phase 2 focused on the practicality of the procedure by applying it on six healthy, sedated horses in a standing position. A custom-made splint and base were developed to maintain joint flexion during the procedure.

Findings of the Study

  • The needle arthroscopy procedure was found possible in both phases, and it facilitated a thorough evaluation of the dorsal intra-articular structures of the tarsocrural joint via dorsomedial and dorsolateral approaches.
  • All the horses tolerated the procedure well and it was quickly executed.
  • However, there were minor complications, with some horses showing moderate movement (2 out of 6 horses) and hemarthrosis, a condition characterized by bleeding into joint spaces (observed in 3 out of 6 horses).

Implications and Conclusion

  • Standing needle arthroscopy of the tarsocrural joint was effective, offering a detailed evaluation of the dorsal aspect of the joint, while bypassing the financial and health risks associated with general anesthesia.
  • There was significant hemarthrosis due to inadvertent puncture of the dorsomedial vasculature generated by the cannula and obturator.
  • Needle arthroscopy provides an alternative diagnostic tool, particularly when traditional imaging techniques (such as radiography and ultrasonography) are unrewarding or nondiagnostic.
  • Though mainly conceived for diagnosis, the technique’s use during short interventions is worth investigating further.

Cite This Article

APA
Kadic DTN, Bonilla AG. (2020). Diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the tarsocrural joint in standing sedated horses. Vet Surg, 49(3), 445-454. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13375

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 3
Pages: 445-454

Researcher Affiliations

Kadic, Dimitri T N
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medecine, University of Montreal, Saint Hyacinthe, Q, Canada.
Bonilla, Alvaro G
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medecine, University of Montreal, Saint Hyacinthe, Q, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arthroscopy / standards
  • Arthroscopy / veterinary
  • Conscious Sedation / standards
  • Conscious Sedation / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horses
  • Needles

Grant Funding

  • Equine Health Funds of the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal supported by Zoetis
  • Centennial Funds of the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal

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This article includes 28 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Kerbert MP, Delling U, Verhaar N. Gross anatomy, computed tomographic contrast tenography, and needle endoscopy of the equine medial digital flexor tendon sheath. Vet Surg 2025 Aug;54(6):1133-1144.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.14263pubmed: 40223504google scholar: lookup
  2. Quadflieg I, Ordobazari J, Lüpke M, Freise F, Volk HA, Metje B. Development and Validation of an Examination Protocol for Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024 Apr 29;14(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14091338pubmed: 38731342google scholar: lookup
  3. Carmalt JL, Pimentel KL. The Equine Temporomandibular Joint: Comparisons Between Standard and Needle Arthroscopic Examination of Cadaver Specimens and Standing Horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:876041.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.876041pubmed: 35558885google scholar: lookup
  4. von Pfeil DJF, Megliola S, Horstman C, Tan D, Glassman M. Comparison of classic and needle arthroscopy to diagnose canine medial shoulder instability: 31 cases. Can Vet J 2021 May;62(5):461-468.
    pubmed: 33967284
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