Arthroscopy Procedures
Arthroscopy Procedures in Pets
Veterinary arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments to visualize, diagnose and treat joint problems, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.
Only a small portion of veterinary surgeons are skilled at arthroscopy. Dr. David Dycus and our team at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics have performed thousands of arthroscopic procedures, a testament to their level of experience and expertise.
When arthroscopy is indicated
At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we most commonly use arthroscopy for:
- Evaluation of the stifle (knee) for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears and other damage to the knee
- Patella luxation (a slipping or dislocated kneecap)
- Shoulder joint damage and developmental orthopedic conditions of the shoulder such as osteochondritis dissecans (OC/OCD)
- Elbow joint damage and other orthopedic conditions of the elbow such as developmental elbow disease (elbow dysplasia)
- To aid in repairing fractures of the joint to ensure appropriate reduction and fixation
- Osteoarthritis evaluation and prognosis, enabling us to visualize the joint cartilage
Arthroscopy vs. Arthrotomy
When evaluating and treating joint issues—especially cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries—surgeons typically use one of two approaches: arthrotomy or arthroscopy.
- Arthrotomy involves making a large incision and opening the joint to examine it directly with the naked eye.
- Arthroscopy, on the other hand, uses a small camera inserted through a tiny incision (about 3–5 mm) to view the joint on a screen with magnification.
At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we exclusively use arthroscopy for joint evaluation and repair, including CCL injuries. This allows for better visualization, the ability to examine areas that can’t be seen with the naked eye, and the detection of even subtle joint damage.
Arthroscopy also results in:
- Less trauma to the joint
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery times
- Image and video documentation of the procedure
While many veterinary practices still rely on arthrotomy, very few are skilled in arthroscopy. Dr. Dycus has performed hundreds of arthroscopic procedures, making Fusion one of the most experienced and advanced veterinary orthopedic practices in the region.
Post-operative care
After your pet’s arthroscopy, the focus is on restricting activity, managing pain, keeping the incision site clean and dry, following medication guidelines, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Schedule a consultation
If your pet has a condition that could benefit from arthroscopy and needs to be evaluated by an expert, please schedule a consultation by calling 301.778.7781 or request an appointment online.
