Arthroscopic thermic contracture of the shoulder joint in dogs

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to describe and to evaluate the feasibility of the shoulder arthroscopic thermic contracture technique using radiofrequency scalpel in dog cadavers. Then shoulders were used. The arthroscopic portal was done cranially to the acromial process and the instrumental portal was done caudally to it. The radiofrequency scalpel was used to promote the thermic contracture of the glenoumeral medial ligament and medial joint capsule. The distal part of the mentioned ligament, as well as the caudal part of the medial joint capsule was difficult to access with the radiofrequency scalpel. The tissue reaction with the potency used (80W) was different for the ligament and joint capsule. There was perforation of the joint capsule on the majority of the studied joints. The thermic contracture technique of the shoulder is possible to be done in dogs, but more appropriate potency for the different tissues has to be determined.