Keyhole telescopic joint surgery is known as arthroscopy. It is widely accepted in human orthopaedics as the least invasive style of surgery to treat a range of internal joint problems without the requirement for more invasive open surgery (arthrotomy). The wound is much shorter and dogs cannot lick and chew at the incision. Joint infection and inflammation are far less frequent after this style of surgery. Patients recover faster and use the operated leg well within days due to a reduction in pain.

Expertise and experience are required to perform knee arthroscopy in dogs. Dr. Chris Preston is Australia’s most experienced canine arthroscopist and has been involved since 1999. He learned these techniques at the University of California from one of the industry pioneers, Dr. Kurt Schulz  one of the authors of the first textbook on arthroscopy in dogs.

Arthroscopy of the knee allows:

• early diagnosis of partial cruciate ligament tears
• confirmation of a suspected examination diagnosis
• removal of diseased ligamentous tissue
• examination of meniscal cartilages inside the joint
• removal of torn portions of damaged cartilage
• identification of OCD lesions, infection
• removal of mobile loose bodies

Normal knee

Arthroscopic photos of cruciate ligament