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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints b...
Veterinary surgery : VS2020; 49(3); 463-471; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13388

Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints by using a needle arthroscope in standing horses.

Abstract: To determine the safety and efficacy of caudal cervical articular process joint arthroscopy by using needle arthroscopy in standing sedated horses. Methods: Prospective experimental case series. Methods: Six adult horses. Methods: Three horses underwent exploration of bilateral C5-6 vertebral articular process joints and three bilateral C6-7 articular process joints by using a 1.2 × 65-mm needle arthroscope under standing sedation. The 16-gauge arthroscopic trocar and canula assembly was inserted in the desired articular process joint under ultrasonographic guidance without distention of the joint. Results: All 12 articular process joints were successfully explored. Entering the joint on the first attempt was achieved in 10 of 12 joints. A craniodorsal approach for arthroscope insertion allowed evaluation of the most cranial aspect of the articular cartilage surface. Triangulation with a spinal needle was determined to be difficult and resulted in a limited space for movement. Conclusions: Needle arthroscopy of the caudal cervical facet joints was performed safely and efficiently in standing sedated horses. Conclusions: Standing cervical articular process needle arthroscopy is a minimal morbidity technique with the potential to be an advantageous technique for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical articular process pathology.
© 2020 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-05 PubMed ID: 32022955DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13388Google 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 focused on testing the safety and effectiveness of needle arthroscopy for examining the caudal cervical articular process joints in sedated horses. The method was found to be safe and efficient, with potential benefits for diagnosing and treating neck joint diseases in horses.

Study Design and Methods

  • The study was a prospective experimental case series involving six adult horses. Half of them underwent exploration of bilateral C5-6 vertebral joints, while the remaining horses were examined at the bilateral C6-7 articular process joints.
  • The procedure involved the use of a needle arthroscope, a slender, tube-like medical instrument equipped with a camera. With the size of 1.2 × 65-mm, this instrument allows for a minimally invasive exploration of the joints.
  • The horses were kept standing and sedated during the procedure.
  • The arthroscope was introduced into the articular process joint guided by ultrasonographic imagery, without distending or filling the joint with fluid, which is typically done in traditional arthroscopy.

Results

  • All 12 articular process joints were successfully explored. The success rate for inserting the arthroscope on the first attempt was high, with ten joints accessed immediately.
  • The craniodorsal approach, involving the insertion of the arthroscope from the upper and rear position, provided the best visuals of the articular cartilage surface at the front-most part.
  • Triangulation, a method of locating a spot within a joint by aligning it with two other known points, proved difficult due to the limited movement space, particularly when using a spinal needle.

Conclusion

  • The use of needle arthroscopy for examining the caudal cervical facet joints in standing, sedated horses was deemed safe and efficient.
  • As a minimally invasive technique with low morbidity, needle arthroscopy carries potential advantages for both diagnosing and treating neck joint diseases in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Pérez-Nogués M, Vaughan B, Phillips KL, Galuppo LD. (2020). Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints by using a needle arthroscope in standing horses. Vet Surg, 49(3), 463-471. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13388

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 3
Pages: 463-471

Researcher Affiliations

Pérez-Nogués, Marcos
  • Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
Vaughan, Betsy
  • Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
Phillips, Kathryn L
  • Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
Galuppo, Larry D
  • Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arthroscopes / veterinary
  • Arthroscopy / standards
  • Arthroscopy / veterinary
  • Cartilage, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Horses
  • Joints / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Needles
  • Prospective Studies

Grant Funding

  • 20567 / Center for Equine Health (CEH), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Story MR, Haussler KK, Nout-Lomas YS, Aboellail TA, Kawcak CE, Barrett MF, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW. Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 6;11(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11020422pubmed: 33562089google scholar: lookup
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