Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints by using a needle arthroscope in standing horses

Abstract

Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of caudal cervical articular process joint arthroscopy by using needle arthroscopy in standing sedated horses. Study design Prospective experimental case series. Animals Six adult horses. Methods Three horses underwent exploration of bilateral C5‐6 vertebral articular process joints and three bilateral C6‐7 articular process joints by using a 1.2 × 65‐mm needle arthroscope under standing sedation. The 16‐gauge arthroscopic trocar and canula assembly was inserted in the desired articular process joint under ultrasonographic guidance without distention of the joint. Results All 12 articular process joints were successfully explored. Entering the joint on the first attempt was achieved in 10 of 12 joints. A craniodorsal approach for arthroscope insertion allowed evaluation of the most cranial aspect of the articular cartilage surface. Triangulation with a spinal needle was determined to be difficult and resulted in a limited space for movement. Conclusion Needle arthroscopy of the caudal cervical facet joints was performed safely and efficiently in standing sedated horses. Clinical significance Standing cervical articular process needle arthroscopy is a minimal morbidity technique with the potential to be an advantageous technique for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical articular process pathology.

The Equine Temporomandibular Joint: Comparisons Between Standard and Needle Arthroscopic Examination of Cadaver Specimens and Standing Horses

“…The NAS was initially reported as a diagnostic imaging modality in the equine stifle ( 26 ). More recently, the feasibility of its use has been reported in the equine caudal cervical articular process, scapulohumeral, hock, carpus, and fetlock joints, as well as a method to examine the sinuses and tendon sheath ( 27 – 33 ). These procedures avoid the risks and costs of general anesthesia, as well as reportedly reduce complications such as bleeding in some specific situations.…”

Inflammatory cytokines in horses with cervical articular process joint osteoarthritis on standing cone beam computed tomography

“…In this population of otherwise healthy horses, post‐mortem evaluation could not be performed. Arthroscopy, described for both evaluation and treatment of pathology in equine CAPJs, was not considered clinically necessary in this population and therefore was also not used as an alternative means of confirming the presence or severity of OA 38,39 . Additionally, it is possible that enlargement of the CAPJ joint bilaterally or asymmetrically is in part due to developmental disease.…”

Osteochondral fragmentation of the cervical articular process joints; prevalence in horses undergoing CT for investigation of cervical dysfunction

“…Needle arthroscopy offers a new method of examining portions of the APJs in standing horses, although its ability to identify OF has not been demonstrated. 26 Surgical arthroscopic evaluation of affected joints may also provide further information but is technically challenging and also offers limited accessibility. 3,25 As yet there are few descriptions of the CT anatomy of the equine cervical spine in health or disease.…”