Extravasation of Intraarticular Fluid Injection Following Canine Elbow Arthroscopy: A Cadaveric Study
Linus Rustemeyer1, Matthias Galipaud2, Peter Böttcher3
1Small Animal Clinic Posthausen, Posthausen, Germany.
Summary
Contrast fluid injected into the elbow joint extravasated after elbow arthroscopy. This indicates that liquid therapeutics, such as orthobiologics, should be administered later following arthroscopic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Intraarticular injections are common in veterinary orthopedic procedures.
- Understanding contrast media extravasation is crucial for evaluating joint integrity post-procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extravasation of intraarticular contrast media after elbow arthroscopy.
- To assess the timing and extent of contrast leakage using computed tomographic (CT) imaging.
Main Methods:
- A cadaveric canine elbow model was used (16 elbows from 8 dogs).
- Elbows were randomly assigned to an arthroscopy group or a control group.
- Contrast fluid was injected intraarticularly post-arthroscopy, and CT scans were obtained at seven time points to measure volume and intensity changes.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in contrast-enhanced fluid volume and a decrease in intensity were observed in the arthroscopy group compared to the control.
- No significant changes in total volume or intensity were detected within the initial 15 minutes post-injection.
- Extravasation occurred without a significant time-dependent effect after arthroscopy.
Conclusions:
- Intraarticular contrast media extravasates following elbow arthroscopy.
- The timing of extravasation suggests that administration of liquid therapeutics, such as orthobiologics, should be considered at a later point after arthroscopic procedures to potentially improve retention.
