Arthroscopy in the horse: New advances in diagnosis and treatment

Since 2005 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important diagnostic technique in equine orthopaedics. More specific diagnosis of conditions of soft tissues has led to further indications for diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy. There are limitations, however as it has been demonstrated recently that the use of MRI for precise grading of the articular cartilage in human osteoarthritis (OA) is limited and that diagnostic arthroscopy remains the gold standard for grading cartilage damage, for a definitive diagnosis, and for decisions regarding therapeutic options in patients with OA. Techniques that have been more recently explored with clinical studies include the use of electrosurgery for the removal of fragments from the plantar margin of the proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones, and desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon. Thermal chondroplasty with radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become popular and its use for sectioning and resection of soft tissues within joints described. Negative effects of chondroplasty have been reported but the value in selected procedures with soft tissue resection recognised ...