Most equine joint surgeries are performed using a minimal invasive technique. Two small incisions of 4 mm are made. One to insert a camera into the joint and the other to bring in instruments. This arthroscopic approach has resulted in smaller scars and faster healing and much better short and long term outcomes. Horses return to work much quicker.

This arthroscopic technique is commonly used to flush infected joints, to remove OCD fragments and chip fractures, etc.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental problem that affects horses of all breeds. Hocks, fetlocks and stifles are most affected but OCD fragments can also be found in other joints (coffin or pastern joint).

Arthroscopic procedures have been the gold standard for most joint surgeries in horses for some time. The arthroscopic technique allows for the exploration and treatment of joints using a camera and several specially designed instruments. This almost always allows for work with very small incisions. This leads to a significantly lower risk of infections, less postoperative pain, and enables the horses to return to work faster after the procedure. Although arthroscopy is already well established in equine surgery, this branch of orthopedic surgery continues to evolve constantly. Equitom is at the forefront of this, constantly working on new, innovative techniques to improve outcomes, including in collaboration with our regular partner in arthroscopic materials, as well as with some human surgeons. Below are some examples of arthroscopic procedures that are performed on a regular basis:
- Removal of Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) fragments
- Lavage of infected joints (septic arthritis)
- Treatment of cartilage injuries using innovative techniques such as microfracturing, microdrilling, autocart
- Diagnostic arthroscopy in cases of suspected cartilage damage, meniscus problems, ligament injuries

For more information about OCD, you can consult the article below.