Needle arthroscopy may aid evaluation of canine hip disease

Needle arthroscopy can provide direct visualization of the canine hip joint and may support diagnosis and treatment planning in dogs with lameness and pain localized to the hip, according to an online early report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) that describes diagnostic hip arthroscopy in dogs.¹ This procedure can be used to diagnose and treat orthopedic issues such as osteoarthritis, joint infection, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis dissecans, as well as cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries.²

Veterinary arthroscopy involves the insertion of an arthroscope into a joint through a small incision. The arthroscope’s camera transmits images to a monitor, which allows the veterinarian to see inside the joint. Other small instruments can then be inserted through additional incisions to treat the condition, which may involve removing loose cartilage, repairing ligaments, or cleaning out debris.²

Technique overview

The JAVMA article outlines a needle arthroscopy technique for dogs undergoing hip arthroscopy. The authors stated that direct visualization of hip structures can aid in diagnosing and treating various diseases affecting the hip.¹

Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in Lanham, Maryland, says an arthroscopy typically includes a presurgical assessment, anesthesia, surgical preparation, the procedure, and postsurgical care.² For the approach described by the JAVMA authors, the dog is sedated or anesthetized and positioned in lateral recumbency with the affected hip uppermost. The patient is secured to the table, and limb traction is applied as needed.¹

According to the JAVMA authors, the initial needle entry is made at the 12 o’clock position, just dorsal to the greater trochanter. Needle length and gauge are selected according to patient size. The joint is distended with lactated Ringer solution. If the joint is not accessed directly, the needle is redirected slightly until it drops into the joint.¹

After joint access, a small stab incision is made through the skin and subcutaneous tissue with a No. 11 blade. A straight hemostat is then used to enlarge the superficial portal. The inflow sheath is placed using a blunt trocar or blunt probe, or with the spinal needle as a guide, followed by insertion of the arthroscope.¹

Portal placement

The authors described fluid egress through a needle placed at the 5 o’clock position on the right hip and at the 7 o’clock position on the left hip. Potential instrument portals are established at the 10 o’clock position for the left hip and the 2 o’clock position for the right hip.¹

Intermittent infusion of lactated Ringer solution is maintained with either a 60-mL syringe or pressurized lactated Ringer solution.¹

Takeaway

The authors concluded that needle arthroscopy enables direct visualization of hip structures and should be considered in patients with lameness and pain localized to the hip. For clinicians, the report provides a procedural framework for accessing the canine hip using needle arthroscopy, including positioning, primary access, distention, egress, and potential instrument portal locations.¹

Recovery may include rest and restricted activity, pain management, incision care, and follow-up appointments with the patient, according to Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics.²

References

1. Filliquist B, Marcellin-Little DJ. Diagnostic hip arthroscopy in the dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2026;264(S1):S15. Accessed May 26, 2026.
2. Understanding arthroscopy in pets. Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics. September 17, 2024. Accessed May 26, 2026. https://fusionvetortho.com/blog/understanding-arthroscopy-in-pets/