Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint diseases in animals. Instead of making a large incision into the joint, Dr. Gonzalez inserts a small arthroscope (a rigid camera with fiber optics) and specialized instruments through tiny portals into the joint, which reduces trauma, speeds recovery, and provides superior visualization compared to open joint surgery.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint diseases in animals. Instead of making a large incision into the joint, Dr. Gonzalez inserts a small arthroscope (a rigid camera with fiber optics) and specialized instruments through tiny portals into the joint, which reduces trauma, speeds recovery, and provides superior visualization compared to open joint surgery.
Common Uses of Arthroscopy in Veterinary Medicine
Diagnostic Purposes
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Evaluation of cartilage damage
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Confirmation of cruciate ligament injury
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Assessment of meniscal tears
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Detection of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) or subchondral bone lesions
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Biopsy collection
Therapeutic Purposes
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Removal of osteochondral fragments (e.g., OCD lesions)
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Meniscal release or meniscectomy (dogs with CCL rupture)
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Tendon release (e.g., biceps tendinopathy)
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Evaluation and lavage for septic arthritis
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Treatment of fragmented coronoid process in elbow dysplasia
Arthroscopic Images
The Images Below Were Taken With an Arthroscope
Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Normal
Partial Tear
Meniscus
Normal
