Arthroscopic Follow-Up after Surgical Stabilization of the Stifle 289commonly performed in medium- and large-
breed dogs; this group of dogs typically has
persistent or intermittent lameness, and often
will have a meniscal click if a bucket-handle
tear of the medial meniscus is present.
Conclusions
Follow-up arthroscopy has provided much-
needed evidence of outcome after cruciate
stabilization surgery. Follow-up arthroscopy
was associated with minimal morbidity. Many
changes in the intra-articular environment of
the stifle have been identified, including menis-
cal tears, CaCL fiber wear, chronic synovitis,
cartilage wear, and osteophyte formation. Many
of the pathological changes were evident in
dogs that were thought to be without clinical
signs. Many of the arthroscopic findings are not
easily assessed by imaging techniques. Follow-
up arthroscopy is an excellent method of assess-
ing the intra-articular condition of the canine
stifle joint months to years after stifle surgery.
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