Arthroscopy in small animals

Application of minimally invasive surgeries are increasing in veterinary medicine. Joint disorders are among the most important cause for lameness in small animals, especially dogs. Arthroscopy is one of the techniques for diagnosing, treating and managing of joint injuries. Arthroscopy has advantages over arthrotomy. Arthroscopic surgery is used for management of different injuries in shoulder (glenohumeral), coxofemoral (hip), elbow, carpal and tarsal joints in small animals. Arthroscopy provides the best access to intra-articular structures. Also, post-operative cares, recovery, pain and infection are less than arthrotomy. The goal of this article is to review the uses of arthroscopy in small animals.