Caudal pole meniscectomy through an arthroscopic caudomedial portal in dogs: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a caudomedial instrumental portal for caudal pole meniscectomy (CPM).

STUDY

DESIGN

Experimental ex-vivo study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten cadaveric hindlimbs of 10 large breed dogs.

METHODS

Each hindlimb was used for establishing the caudomedial portal for CPM. The surgical time was recorded. Specimens were disarticulated afterwards, and the completeness of CPM was documented. Iatrogenic injuries to the articular cartilage and the intra- and periarticular structures were assessed.

RESULTS

The extent of the CPM (mean ± SD, percentage of the resected medial meniscus) was 29.8 ± 12.9% of the area of the medial meniscus. There were no injuries to the medial collateral ligament or caudal cruciate ligament. The mean iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI) was 3.71 ± 1.78% of the area of the medial meniscus.

CONCLUSION

The establishment of a caudomedial portal for CPM in canine cadavers was feasible and allowed to perform a partial caudal pole meniscectomy.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A caudomedial portal may be considered for CPM in selected cases when caudal tears cannot be accessed through the standard portals.