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Arthroscopic Approach and Intraarticular Anatomy of the Stifle in S outh A merican Camelids
Author(s) -
Pentecost Rebecca L.,
Niehaus Andrew J.,
Santschi Elizabeth
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2011.00983.x
Subject(s) - stifle joint , medicine , cadaveric spasm , arthroscopy , cruciate ligament , anatomy , cadaver , joint capsule , patella , surgery , anterior cruciate ligament
Objective To describe a cranial arthroscopic approach to the stifle of S outh A merican camelids and to report our clinical experience with camelid stifle arthroscopy. Study Design Experimental study and retrospective case series. Animals (1) Cadaveric alpaca hindlimbs (n = 18; 9 alpacas); (2) 1 alpaca and 1 llama Methods Polymethylmethacrylate joint casts (n = 2) were made to define stifle joint dimensions. Cadaveric stifle joints (n = 16) were evaluated arthroscopically to determine arthroscopic portal locations, describe the intraarticular anatomy, and report potential complications. An alpaca and a llama with stifle joint disease had diagnostic arthroscopy. Results Successful entry into the stifle joint was achieved in 16 cadaver limbs. Observed structures were: the suprapatellar pouch, articular surface of the patella, femoral trochlear ridges and groove, cranial aspect of the femoral condyles (n = 16); distal aspect of the cranial and proximal aspect of the caudal cruciate ligaments (14); and cranial aspects of the medial and lateral menisci (11), and cranial meniscotibial and intermeniscal ligaments (8). Stifle arthroscopy allowed for joint evaluation and removal of osteochondral fragments in 1 alpaca and 1 llama with naturally occurring stifle disease. Complications of cadaver or live procedures included minor cartilage scoring (3 stifles) and subcutaneous periarticular fluid accumulation (8 stifles). Conclusions Arthroscopy provides a safe approach for diagnosis and treatment of stifle lesions in S outh A merican camelids.