Arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of failed trochleoplasty in a dog

A 3-year-old castrated male Spitz dog (8.4 kg) was referred for hindlimb lameness. The dog had undergone corrective surgery for bilateral medial patellar luxation 6 weeks prior to presentation. Intermittent lameness of both hind limbs was evident on general inspection. Physical examination revealed moderate pain and crepitus upon flexion and extension of the stifle joints. Radiography revealed features consistent with distal deviation of the cartilage flaps and effusion in both stifle joints. Detachment and deviation of both osteochondral blocks were suspected based on the physical and radiographic findings. Arthroscopy confirmed failed osteochondral blocks (right 1.5 cm × 0.9 cm × 0.2 cm, left 1.3 cm × 0.9 cm × 0.1 cm), which were removed. After removal of the osteochondral blocks, the stepped trochlear grooves were located and debrided using an arthroscopic burr, to prevent patellar tracking disorder. The dog resumed normal ambulation without medial patellar luxation 2 weeks postoperatively, and there were no complications. Arthroscopy is an effective surgical modality for the diagnosis and treatment of canine joint disorders. It offers a magnified view of the joint, which allows accurate evaluation of intra-articular structures. In addition, arthroscopic surgery can reduce the postoperative complications associated with surgical wound.