Abstract
Objectives
To describe needle arthroscopy (NA) in the canine coxofemoral joint, evaluate its
feasibility, and compare it with 1.9-mm standard arthroscopy (SA).
Study Design
Twelve pelves from six 5-month-old Beagle cadavers were collected. Preoperative computed
tomography was performed to assess joint morphology. Each hindlimb underwent either
NA using a Nanoscope (Arthrex Inc, Naples, Florida, United States) or 1.9-mm SA (Karl
Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). Feasibility of the techniques was recorded. Three independent
blinded observers (European College Of Veterinary Surgeons [ECVS] Diplomate, a board-eligible
surgeon, and an ECVS resident) subjectively evaluated the quality of images between
the NA and SA groups. Hips were disarticulated and an India ink assay was performed
to assess for articular cartilage injury (ACI).
Results
The median weight was 9.6 kg (7.8–12.4). Scope introduction and identification of
intra-articular structures were achieved in all hips from the NA (n = 6) and SA groups (n = 6). Image quality from NA was significantly superior to the SA group. ACI was documented
in all NA cases and in all but one case in the SA group. All ACI lesions were graded
as minor (<10% of the total cartilage area [TCA]). ACI represented 0.09% (0.06–0.21)
and 0.11% (0.02–0.33) of the TCA for the NA and SA group, respectively, without significant
difference.
Conclusion
Coxofemoral NA is feasible in dogs and offers good quality of visualization, with
comparable ACI to 1.9-mm arthroscopy. These preliminary results on healthy and juvenile
hips are the first steps toward future clinical studies.
Keywords
hip joint - needle arthroscopy - dogs - ex vivo
