Arthroscopic partial patellectomy in a dog

A six-year-old, female, neutered, whippet was presented for evaluation of a severe, sudden-onset right pelvic limb lameness. The extensor mechanism of the right stifle was intact and there was periarticular swelling in the right stifle. Radiography showed a fracture of the distal pole of the patella. The distal fragment was approximately 25% of the patellar length and the fracture was deemed non-reconstructable. Fracture fragment removal was performed arthroscopically, which led to an excellent clinical outcome. The owner considered the dog to be exercising normally at the seven-month postoperative examination. To the authors' knowledge this report documents the first arthroscopically performed partial patellectomy in veterinary surgery.