Summary
Objectives: To describe a technique for arthroscopy of the fetlock joint of the dromedary camel,
and the problems that could occur during and after arthroscopy.
Methods: Seven animals (4 cadaveric limbs and 3 living camels) were used in this study. Two
dorsal arthroscopic portals (lateral and medial) and one palmaro-lateral portal were
used. Distension of the joint capsule was effected by injecting Ringer's lactate solution
into the joint cavity. Landmarks for the dorsal arthroscopic portals were located
at the centre of the groove bounded by the lateral branch of the suspensory ligament
and the large metacarpus at a point 1 cm proximal to the joint. The palmaro-lateral
portal was located in a triangular area between the branch of the suspensory ligament,
the large metacarpus, and the sesamoid bone, with insertion of the arthroscope in
a 45° joint flexion angle.
Results: Arthroscopy of the fetlock joint via the dorso-lateral portal allowed examination
of the distal end of the large metacarpus and the proximal end of the first phalanx
of the fourth digit. Arthroscopy via a dorso-medial approach allowed examination of
the distal end of the large metacarpus and the proximal end of the first phalanx and
the distal end of the third digit. The palmaro-lateral portal allowed examination
of the sesamoid bones, the synovial membrane, and the synovial villi. The main complications
recorded during arthroscopy were iatrogenic articular surface injury as well as obstruction
of vision with the synovial villi.
Clinical significance: This is the first work to describe the normal arthroscopy of the fetlock joint in
the dromedary camel, the arthroscopic portals, and the complications that could occur
during and after arthroscopy. Further studies are required for diagnosis of pathological
changes in the fetlock joint of the dromedary camel and for arthroscopy of other joints
in the dromedary camel.
Keywords
Dromedary camel - arthroscopy - fetlock joint
