Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
04:41
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
10.8K
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.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|November 2, 2013
Summary
An 18-gauge arthroscope can diagnose equine stifle joint issues in standing horses. This minimally invasive technique identified all intra-articular structures and detected injuries missed by other imaging methods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The equine stifle joint is complex to examine.
- Accurate diagnosis of stifle injuries is crucial for horse welfare and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an 18-gauge arthroscope for diagnostic examination of the equine stifle in standing horses.
Main Methods:
- Phase 1: Cadaver limbs with simultaneous ultrasonography.
- Phase 2: Six normal horses assessed standing and flexed, using routine arthroscopic approaches.
- Phase 3: Three horses with suspected stifle injury examined using developed methods.
Main Results:
- All intra-articular stifle structures were identified in cadavers and horses.
- No intra- or postoperative morbidity was observed.
- An osteochondral fragment missed by ultrasonography and radiography was identified in one clinical case.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest an 18-gauge arthroscope is effective for standing equine stifle examination.
- This technique allows for accurate identification of pathological changes.
