Endoscopy Case Study

Courtesy of
Kurt S. Schulz, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery
University of California, Davis.

Arthroscopy of hip dysplasia

A 8 month old Labrador retriever was presented for evaluation of bilateral hind limb lameness.  On evaluation the dog exhibited bunny hopping gait and bilateral Ortolani signs with moderate pain on extension of both hips.  Radiographs demonstrated bilateral hip subluxation with minimal changes associated with osteoarthritis.

After discussion with the owner it was decided to pursue arthroscopy of one hip for evaluation of candidacy for triple pelvic osteotomy.

Arthroscopy of the left hip was performed.

Figure 1

Figure 1. Arthroscopic image of the ligament of the head of the femur demonstrating moderate subacute tearing.

Figure 2

Figure 2. Arthroscopy demonstrated avulsion of the labrum of the dorsal acetabular rim

Figure 3

Figure 3. Shows grade 2-3 cartilage damage to the femoral head..

Comment. Arthroscopy is much more sensitive than radiography in the evaluation of osteoarthritis.  However, the interpretation of arthroscopic findings for the suitability of TPO remains difficult and subjective.  In this case based on the mild arthritic findings TPO was elected.