Diagnostic and Therapeutic Standing Needle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in 36 Horses.

Standing needle arthroscopy of the equine DIPJ is safe, effective, and avoids general anaesthesia risks.

This retrospective study describes the technique, complications, and short-term outcomes of standing needle arthroscopy of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in horses. Initial cadaveric work was performed on five forelimbs to establish consistent visualization of dorsal and palmar recesses using a 1.9-mm needle arthroscope. Thirty-six client-owned horses subsequently underwent diagnostic (n=24) or therapeutic (n=12) arthroscopy under standing sedation combined with local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for general anaesthesia. Intraoperative findings frequently included cartilage defects and capsular tears. In all 12 therapeutic cases, osteochondral fragment removal was completed successfully. Complications were limited to intra-articular bleeding, classified as mild in 15 cases and moderate in 4 cases; no infections or major adverse events were recorded. All horses were discharged without incident, and no complications were reported at the 12-week follow-up. The study demonstrates that standing needle arthroscopy of the DIPJ is technically feasible, safe, and minimally invasive. Key advantages over conventional arthroscopy include avoidance of general anaesthesia-associated risks (e.g., myopathy, fracture during recovery), reduced costs, and the potential for use in horses that are poor anaesthetic candidates. Limitations include the retrospective design, relatively small cohort, and a short follow-up period of only 12 weeks. This technique represents a clinically relevant advancement for equine practitioners managing DIPJ pathology.

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