Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints by using a needle arthroscope in standing horses.
Authors: Pérez-Nogués Marcos, Vaughan Betsy, Phillips Kathryn L, Galuppo Larry D
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Needle Arthroscopy of Caudal Cervical Facet Joints in Standing Horses Cervical articular process (facet) joint disease represents a significant source of poor performance and pain in horses, yet diagnostic and therapeutic access to these joints has traditionally required general anaesthesia. Pérez-Noguès and colleagues evaluated the feasibility of needle arthroscopy—using a minimally invasive 1.2 mm arthroscope—to visualise the C5-6 and C6-7 facet joints in six standing, sedated horses under ultrasound guidance, successfully exploring all 12 joints with first-attempt entry achieved in 10 cases. The craniodorsal approach proved optimal for assessing the articular cartilage surfaces, though triangulation with a spinal needle for instrumentation was technically restricted. This technique offers equine practitioners a low-morbidity alternative for both diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention in caudal cervical facet pathology without requiring general anaesthesia, significantly reducing recovery risks and allowing same-day treatment in standing patients. Given the clinical prevalence of cervical joint disease in performance horses, widespread adoption of this approach could improve diagnostic accuracy and expand therapeutic options, though further investigation into treatment applications and outcomes in clinical cases would strengthen the evidence base.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Needle arthroscopy offers a safe, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment option for cervical facet joint pathology in standing horses, with high first-attempt success rates
- •Ultrasonographic guidance is essential for accurate joint entry; plan for limited working space when using triangulation techniques
- •This technique may reduce recovery time and complications compared to general anaesthesia approaches for cervical joint evaluation
Key Findings
- •All 12 caudal cervical articular process joints were successfully explored using needle arthroscopy in standing sedated horses
- •First-attempt joint entry was achieved in 10 of 12 joints (83.3%)
- •Craniodorsal approach allowed evaluation of the cranial articular cartilage surface
- •Triangulation with spinal needle was difficult and limited instrument movement space