Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Diagnostic stifle joint arthroscopy using a needle arthroscope in standing horses
David D Frisbie1, Myra F Barrett, C Wayne McIlwraith
1Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Objective:
To assess use of an 18 g arthroscope for diagnostic stifle joint examination in the standing horse.
Study Design:
Phase 1 used cadaver limbs and simultaneous ultrasonographic assessment. Phase 2 used 6 normal horses where stifles were assessed in both a standing and flexed position. Phase 3 used horses with suspected stifle injury or disease.
Animals:
Normal horses (n = 6) to assess ability to perform diagnostic procedure (phase 2) and 3 clinical cases (phase 3).
Methods:
Five cadaver limbs were used in phase 1 to assess all stifle joints. Phase 2 used standing sedated and locally anesthetized horses. Routine arthroscopic approaches were used in both weight bearing and flexed nonweight bearing positions. In both phase 1 and 2 simultaneous ultrasonographic and arthroscopic examinations were used to confirm extent of diagnostic examination. The methods developed in phase 2 were used to examine the stifle in 3 horses with suspected stifle disease.
Results:
In cadaveric limbs and horses, all intra articular structures that constitute a complete arthroscopic examination were identified; no intra -or postoperative morbidity occurred. In phase 3, the needle arthroscope was used in accurate identification of pathologic change and in 1 horse, an osteochondral fragment not detected by ultrasonography and radiography was identified.
Conclusions:
This preliminary work indicates that an 18 g arthroscope can be used for diagnostic examination of the equine stifle in standing horses.
