Diagnostic and Therapeutic Standing Needle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in 36 Horses

The objective of this study is to describe the technique, complications, and outcomes of standing needle arthroscopy of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in horses.

This is a retrospective study.

Five cadaver forelimbs; 36 client-owned horses.

A 1.9-mm needle arthroscope was used to evaluate the DIPJ in cadaver limbs and clinical cases. Horses underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic arthroscopy under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. Data collected included signalment, diagnostic imaging findings, intraoperative findings, complications, and outcomes to 12 weeks postoperatively.

Arthroscopy was successfully performed in all cadaver limbs, with consistent visualization of the anatomical features in dorsal and palmar recesses. In clinical cases (12 fragment removals, 24 diagnostic procedures), cartilage defects and capsular tears were frequently identified. Osteochondral fragments were removed successfully in all cases. Complications were minor, consisting of intra-articular bleeding (15 mild, 4 moderate). No infections or major adverse effects occurred. All horses were discharged uneventfully, with no complications reported at 12 weeks.

Standing needle arthroscopy of the DIPJ is a safe, minimally invasive technique providing diagnostic and therapeutic benefits while avoiding risks of general anaesthesia.