ARTHROSCOPIC EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF OSTEOCHONDRITIS-DISSECANS OF THE FEMORAL CONDYLE OF 6 DOGS

Arthroscopy was used to diagnose and treat osteochondritis dissecans ( OCD) of the femoral condyle in six dogs. Bilateral lesions were seen i n two dogs. The medial condyle was affected in five stifles, and the l ateral condyle was affected in three stifles. Subchondral bone defects were identified on radiographs in six of eight affected stifles. Reso lution of the lameness associated with the arthroscopic procedure occu rred one-to-14 days (mean, three days) following arthroscopy. Lameness resolved completely in four cases within two weeks and in one case si x weeks following arthroscopy. Mild lameness persisted in one case. Ar throscopy is an effective means of diagnosis and treatment of OCD of t he femoral condyle, and it is associated with minimal postoperative mo rbidity when compared to arthrotomy.