Orthopaedic

Orthopaedic Surgery

‘Key-hole’ surgery of joints (arthroscopy), tendon sheaths (tenoscopy) or bursae (bursoscopy) is routinely performed at our hospital. These procedures involve inserting a small camera and special instruments into the area of interest through tiny incisions. This can be used as a diagnostic procedure in areas that are difficult to image, for example the tendon sheath, and as a therapeutic procedure, for example in the removal of bone chips.

These surgeries are also frequently performed as emergency surgeries when a wound or penetration injury involving a synovial structure (joint, tendon sheath or bursa) has occurred. Immediate high volume lavage with sterile fluids and antibiotics is essential in these cases to prevent persistent infection and ensure a good prognosis for the horse.