Arthroscopic anatomy of the equine cervical articular process joints.
Authors: Pepe M, Angelone M, Gialletti R, Nannarone S, Beccati F
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
Cervical articular process joint (APJ) disease is frequently encountered in equine practice, yet arthroscopic techniques for examining these joints have remained underdeveloped until now. Using fresh cadaveric necks, Pepe and colleagues systematically mapped the anatomical approach to cervical APJs from C2-C3 through C6-C7, then validated their technique in three live clinical cases, with particular attention to characterising the cranioventral and caudodorsal recesses and evaluating instrument portal placement. A single arthroscopic entry point allowed comprehensive visualisation of cartilage surfaces, synovial membranes and villous tissue across all 22 cadaveric joints and 5 clinical APJs examined, with post-operative dissection confirming that cartilage and neurovascular structures remained intact throughout the procedures. Minor complications only were documented, establishing arthroscopy as a genuinely feasible diagnostic tool for mature horses. For practitioners managing cervical pain and lameness cases, this development offers the potential to visualise joint pathology directly rather than relying solely on imaging modalities, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding targeted treatment in horses with subtle or non-specific cervical signs.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Arthroscopy offers a new diagnostic and potentially therapeutic tool for evaluating cervical APJ disease, which is clinically common but previously difficult to assess directly
- •The technique appears safe with minor complications and no significant damage to joint structures when performed properly
- •Consider referral for cervical APJ arthroscopy in cases where conventional diagnostics are inconclusive or when direct visualization and treatment of APJ pathology is needed
Key Findings
- •Arthroscopic examination of equine cervical APJs from C2-C3 to C6-C7 is feasible in mature horses using a single entry point at the cranioventral or caudodorsal recesses
- •Successful arthroscopic entry and evaluation achieved in 22 cadaveric APJs and 5 clinical APJs across 3 cases
- •Arthroscopic technique enabled almost complete visualization of cartilage surfaces and synovial membrane without damaging cartilage or periarticular neurovascular structures
- •Arthroscopy of cervical APJs may provide additional diagnostic information beyond conventional imaging techniques