We are proud to offer elbow arthroscopy with Dr. Chapin in our Dover location.
Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows visualization of the inside of the elbow joint using a small camera called an arthroscope. The camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision, and the images are displayed on a monitor. The Dr. Chapin can then use small surgical instruments to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Elbow dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition that can cause a variety of problems in the elbow joint, including loose bone fragments, cartilage damage, and inflammation. Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose elbow dysplasia and to remove loose bone fragments and repair damaged cartilage.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): OCD is a condition in which a piece of cartilage peels away from the bone in the elbow joint. Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat OCD by removing the loose cartilage fragment and smoothing out the underlying bone.
- Ununited anconeal process (UAP): UAP is a condition in which the anconeal process, a small bone at the back of the elbow joint, does not fuse to the ulna bone. Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose UAP and to surgically fuse the anconeal process to the ulna.
- Intra-articular fractures: Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat fractures of the bones inside the elbow joint.
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD): DJD is a condition that causes the cartilage in the elbow joint to wear away over time. Elbow arthroscopy can be used to diagnose DJD and to remove loose bone fragments and cartilage flaps.
Elbow arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions in the elbow joint. It is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing only a few small incisions, which means that there is less pain and scarring than with traditional open surgery. Most dogs are able to go home the same day as surgery and recover quickly.
If your dog is experiencing lameness or other problems with their elbow joint call us today to set up a consultation. This consultation can help Dr. Chapin diagnose and treat the underlying condition and improve your dog’s quality of life and mobility function.
