SamsClinic - Orthopaedic Surgery & Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthroscopy for OCD
Shoulder arthroscopy is very successful in the treatment of OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) and biceps tendonitis. It is also useful in the evaluation of tissues involved in joint stability including the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments and the subscapularis muscle insertion.

Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder OCD is routinely done on both shoulders at the same surgery if indicated. Complications of postoperative seromas (accumulation of serum fluid) are avoided. Treatment involves placing the arthroscope into the joint and locating the abnormal area of cartilage. The abnormal area may be a flap or an area of thickened cartilage. The flap or thickened cartilage is removed using arthroscopic instruments (grasper, shaver or curette). After the abnormal cartilage is removed, the bone below the damaged cartilage is stimulated to form a new fibrocartilage layer to fill the area.

Shoulder Arthroscopy for Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis can be evaluated and treated arthroscopically if rest and medication has not been successful. Arthroscopic treatment is done by a treatment called a biceps tendon release. We have found that releasing the tendon alone has had very good results. The dogs are very comfortable post operatively and rehabilitate well.

Using radiofrequency energy to tighten the shoulder joint capsule is being evaluated but requires immobilization post operatively