Summary
We describe the creation of a cranial instrument portal for shoulder joint arthroscopy
in the dog using a target device that has been successfully employed for the caudal
access. We compared the method with a conventional triangulation technique. The shoulder
joints of 60 dog cadavers were investigated by arthroscopy and the two methods were
compared on the basis of pre-defined parameters of outcome. Time, the number of trials,
success, damage to cartilage and the accessibility of intra-articular structures were
assessed. The anatomical localisation of the working cannula in muscles was also documented.
In general, the new method permitted more successful insertion of the working cannula.
This was achieved in a shorter period of time and was associated with fewer insertion
attempts as well as less damage to joint cartilage. Intra-articular structures could
be readily approached through the working cannula with both methods. Predetermined,
clinically relevant points were comparatively more accessible with the new technique.
Independent of the method, in only a few cases, the working cannula perforated neither
muscles nor tendons when accessing the joint. It may be concluded that the new method
using a target device is simpler and safer and offers a standardised technique to
establish a cranial instrument port.
Keywords
Arthroscopy - shoulder joint - cranial instrument port - target device - dog