Evaluation of Canine Shoulder Arthroscopy for Anatomical and Safety Considerations

Abstract

Introduction Arthroscopy is a well-established diagnostic modality for various orthopaedic conditions in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship of canine shoulder arthroscopy portals to major muscular, ligamentous, and neurovascular structures for anatomical and safety considerations.

Materials and Methods Arthroscopic exploration of 20 adult canine cadaver shoulders was performed. Each shoulder region was dissected layer by layer to the level of the joint. Musculotendinous, ligamentous, and cartilaginous lesions were documented. The distance was measured from each portal to neurovascular structures encountered.

Results Muscular lesions included the deltoideus, cleidobrachialis, omotransversarius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles. The neurovascular structures identified were the omobrachial vein, the caudal circumflex humeral artery, axillobrachial vein, and branches of the axillary nerve. Lesions to the lateral glenohumeral ligament were noted from the caudal instrument portal and the middle arthroscope portal. Iatrogenic articular cartilage injuries were identified on the caudal humeral head and the glenoid.

Conclusion This study supports the safety of lateral shoulder arthroscopy in dogs. Most local neurovascular structures are unaffected with traditional scope portal positions. Musculotendinous lesions are unavoidable due to the extensive muscling surrounding the shoulder but are unlikely to cause severe complications postoperatively.

Keywords

arthroscopy - dogs - joint surgery - shoulder - glenohumeral joint

Note

Content from this study was presented as an abstract at the Veterinary Orthopedic Society Annual Conference; March 11–18, 2023; Big Sky, Montana.

Authors' Contribution

K.M.C. contributed to the conception, study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and interpretation. E.J.K. and R.W. contributed to study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript and are publicly responsible for the relevant content.

Publication History

Received: 23 August 2023

Accepted: 09 January 2024

Article published online:
09 February 2024

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