Elbow Arthroscopy

What is it?

Elbow arthroscopy in dogs is a minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery using a camera (arthroscope) to diagnose and treat elbow joint diseases like dysplasia, OCD, and cartilage damage. It allows vets to remove loose bone fragments and diseased cartilage through tiny incisions, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and better visualization compared to open surgery.

Key Details About Elbow Arthroscopy

• Purpose: Primarily treats canine elbow dysplasia, including fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and ununited anconeal process (UAP).
• Procedure: A 3-4 mm incision is made, and a fiber optic camera is inserted into the joint. Fluid flushes the area for a clear view, allowing for the removal of fragments or smoothing of damaged cartilage.
• Benefits: Smaller surgical sites, minimal trauma to joint structures, reduced postoperative pain, and faster return to function (often walking immediately).
• Diagnosis & Treatment: It is considered the gold standard for assessing cartilage health, often combined with CT scans for a complete diagnosis.
• Recovery: Requires strict, limited activity for the first few weeks, gradually increasing to short, controlled lead walks

This procedure is commonly used for young, large-breed dogs showing lameness from elbow dysplasia, helping to manage pain and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

Carried out at: Fitzpatrick Referrals

Completed by: Noel Fitzpatrick