Arthroscopy & Minimally Invasive Surgery

The surgeons at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center (DVSC) have utilized arthroscopy to treat joint disorders for the past 10 years. Advantages of arthroscopy over open approaches to joints include:

1. better visualization of intraarticular structures and pathology,
2. less pain and morbidity to the patient,
3. quicker return to normal activity,
4. ability to both diagnose and treat diseases of the joint,
5. accurately assess the degree and extent of articular cartilage damage, and
6. ability to perform bilateral procedures under one anesthesia.

During the initial consultation with your client, the surgeons at the DVSC evaluate the patient and discuss with the client whether we feel that arthroscopy may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of the problem. The client is informed that if arthroscopy is utilized, the surgeon may need to convert to an open procedure if everything cannot be completed to our satisfaction using the scope.

The Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center currently uses three completely equipped scoping towers to serve the pets of the North Texas region. At the DVSC, we routinely utilize a 1.9 mm, 2.7 mm or 4.0 mm arthroscope to perform intraarticular assessment of joint surfaces, depending upon the size of the patient. The image from the scope is displayed on a video monitor, where it is magnified to provide exceptional visualization of joint structures.

Both video and still picture images are saved for future reference and to allow for consultation with the owners in the postoperative period. Small, additional portals are made to allow introduction of a motorized shaver and small hand instruments to allow for probing and smoothing of bone and cartilage surfaces, and for removal of loose, or displaced bone chips or fragments.

In patients with ACL disease, we have the capability to debride the ACL remnants, inspect the articular cartilage surface, and evaluate the menisci arthroscopically, thereby avoiding the need for an arthrotomy. We do not routinely utilize arthroscopy for all of our ACL patients, but have the capacity to provide this service if the referring veterinarian and/or client request this. If requested, we would complete the arthroscopic portion of the surgery first, then proceed with the definitive repair of the stifle, either with extracapsular stabilization or with leveling procedures such as the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), or the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

Postoperatively we have your clients and patients meet with our rehabilitation specialists. This consultation is included in the professional fee. The rehabilitation specialists will instruct your clients on the appropriate activity levels for the patient, as well as specific exercises which can be performed to maximize the outcome from the surgery.

View/download this topic in our newsletter, Cutting Edge, Spring 2009.