Accuracy and safety of stifle arthrocentesis and injection based on two established and two new landmarks: Ex vivo study in dogs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and safety of two established landmark-based techniques and two novel techniques for stifle arthrocentesis in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 32 paired canine cadaver pelvic limbs. METHODS: An electronic survey assessed technique prevalence among surgeons. Pelvic limbs (n = 32) were randomized to one of four techniques; lateral intercondylar notch (LINC), infrapatellar (INFRA), suprapatellar (SUPRA), or proximal lateral parapatellar pouch (POUCH) technique, with n = 8 per group. Repositions, attempts, and synovial fluid presence were recorded. Stifle arthrography assessed accuracy. India ink assay assessed iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI). Omnibus tests were used (p < .05), with post hoc Bonferroni-correction (p < .0083). RESULTS: in area, all on weightbearing cartilage (p = .041). POUCH injuries occurred exclusively on non-weightbearing cartilage (p = .041). CONCLUSION: LINC and INFRA are currently used clinically and were accurate; however, INFRA required increased repositions and had high IACI rates on weightbearing cartilage. Two novel techniques were feasible and accurate; SUPRA was safe with no IACI, while POUCH had high IACI risk on non-weightbearing cartilage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: SUPRA may be a safer alternative than current established techniques and warrants further clinical investigation. INFRA carries high IACI rates.
Source: Veterinary Surgery
DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70063
Authors: Brónach McClean, Turlough P. McNally, Antonio Pozzi, Richard Evans, Laura C. Cuddy
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416825912