Chapter 71 - Arthroscopy

Question 1

What three measurements are used to describe an arthroscope?

Answer 1

Working length
distal lens angle (viewing angle)
telescope diameter

Question 2

Name 2 ways the camera and scope are attached?

Answer 2

• spring loaded clip
• direct coupling (glass on glass)

Question 3

what is the most common light source for arthroscopy and what are its advantages?

Answer 3

Xenon
- provides increased light intensity, greater visual clarity and color rendition

Question 4

Which is more physiologic for arthroscopy, saline or lactated ringers solution?

Answer 4

Lactated ringers.
May have less effect on cartilage.

Question 5

Starting pressure for arthroscopy?

Answer 5

60mmHg
*the ideal pressure is not established

Question 5

Name 3 types of arthroscopic knife?

Answer 5

Hook knife, meniscal push knife, Bayonet knife

Question 6

Which distractor was used in shoulder arthroscopy in a 2021 paper by Aoki et al?

Answer 6

Leipzig distractor. The joint space was 4mm larger, and there was increased visibility of the supraglenoid tubercle – no difference with other intraarticular structures.

Question 7

What is the postoperative infection rate for arthroscopy?

Answer 7

<1%

Question 8

What are two instruments that can increase joint space/help you visualize the meniscus during stifle arthroscopy?

Answer 8

Ventura stifle thrust lever

Stifle distractors (Leipzig, etc)

Question 9

What are (7) possible benefits of arthroscopy?

Answer 9

Decreased morbidity
faster recovery
decreased complication rates
improved functional outcomes
decreased (?) anesthesia and surgery times
decreased hospitalization time
enhanced client satisfaction

Question 10

What are the five things on the arthroscopy tower?

Answer 10

Monitor
Camera box
light source
fluid pump
shaver box

Question 11

The distal lens angle is also called the viewing angle of the arthroscope. What is the most common angle?

Answer 11

30 degrees

Question 12

What are “short” and “long” working lengths for arthroscopes?

Answer 12

Short: 8.5cm
Long: 13cm

Question 13

What are the common diameters of the arthroscope?

Answer 13

1.9mm
2.3 OR 2.4mm
2.7mm

Question 14

What are disadvantages of halogen and metal halide light sources?

Answer 14

They’re yellowish and they dim over time

Question 15

What may isotonic solutions (~300 mOsm/L) do to cartilage after mechanical insult (during arthroscopy)?

Answer 15

Increase chondrocyte death

Question 16

Hyperosmolar solutions may have a chondroprotective effect in arthroscopy. What is the mOsm/L of a hypertonic solution?

Answer 16

600 mOsm/L
Less fluid extravasation, no negative effect on chondrocytes

Question 17

What are the three types of shaver tips in the photo?

Answer 17

A: Radial shaver
B:Burr
C: aggressive cutter

Question 18

In the photo of electrosurgery tips (from arthroscopy chapter) what are the two shown?

Answer 18

A: Standard
B: Arthroscopic

Question 19

There is a picture of three instruments with baby blue, baby pink, and navy handles. What are these?

Answer 19

Arthroscopic curettes.

Question 20

What is the red-handled Arthrex instrument?

Answer 20

Arthroscopic micropick for microfracture.

Question 21

There is a combined image of three arthroscopic knives with four things labeled, what are they?

Answer 21

A hook knife
A Meniscal push knife (U shaped)
A Bayonet knife (angled blade)
The other thing is the handle on the bayonet

Question 22

There are two types of arthroscopic grasping forceps in one picture. What is the difference between them?

Answer 22

One is locking. It has an extra bar across the handles

Question 23

The pointed grasping forceps without end teeth is pictured alone. What is unique in the picture?

Answer 23

There is an extra finger hold/ring feature on the handle

Question 24

The arthroscopic instrument with purple bands on it is what?

Answer 24

A punch forceps.

Question 25

There is a picture of an instrument tray for arthroscopy. What is in it?

Answer 25

It is a arthroscopic cannula and switching stick set.

Question 26

Rotation of a 30 degree arthroscope gives an overall ____degree field of view?

Answer 26

60 degree (photo of scope with yellow and red views)

Question 27

The camera pictured with a yellow background is what?

Answer 27

A three chip camera with controls for zoom, white balance and image capture.

Question 28

In the image of three arthroscopes, which scope is A, B, and C?

Answer 28

A 1.9mm 30 B 2.3mm 30 **C 2.7mm 30- degree oblique

Question 29

There is an image of a cannula and obturator. What is it and what is labeled A, B, C?

Answer 29

It is a rigid, multi-fenestrated outflow/egress cannula A: obturator B: Fenestrations C: Stopcock valve

Question 30

What are the three defining measurements of an arthroscope?

Answer 30

Telescope diameter, distal lens (viewing) angle, and working length.

Question 31

Why is a 30-degree arthroscope preferred over a 0-degree scope in most veterinary joints?

Answer 31

The oblique lens allows visualization of a larger joint surface by rotation without repositioning the scope.

Question 32

What is the primary disadvantage of larger-diameter arthroscopes (e.g., 2.7 mm)?

Answer 32

Increased joint trauma and reduced maneuverability in highly congruent joints.

Question 33

Why should an arthroscope never be inserted without a cannula?

Answer 33

Direct insertion risks bending the telescope and damaging the distal lens.

Question 34

What is the functional difference between high-flow and low-flow cannulas?

Answer 34

High-flow cannulas allow greater fluid ingress for improved visualization and lavage.

Question 35

Why is a blunt obturator preferred over a trocar for cannula insertion?

Answer 35

To minimize iatrogenic cartilage and synovial injury.

Question 36

What intra-articular pressure is commonly used as a starting point during arthroscopy?

Answer 36

Approximately 60 mm Hg.

Question 37

How does joint flexion affect intra-articular pressure during arthroscopy?

Answer 37

Flexion of a distended joint increases intra-articular pressure.

Question 38

Why may hyperosmolar irrigation solutions be chondroprotective?

Answer 38

They reduce chondrocyte death and decrease fluid extravasation compared to isotonic solutions.

Question 39

What is the primary limitation of gravity-flow irrigation systems?

Answer 39

Pressure decreases as bag volume decreases, requiring manual re-pressurization.

Question 40

Why are xenon light sources preferred over halogen systems?

Answer 40

They provide higher light intensity, improved color temperature, and greater visual clarity.

Question 41

What is the most fragile and expensive component of the arthroscopic system?

Answer 41

The arthroscope telescope.

Question 42

What visual sign suggests bending of an arthroscope?

Answer 42

Appearance of a black crescent at the periphery of the field of view.

Question 43

What is the biomechanical effect of radiofrequency application on joint capsule collagen?

Answer 43

Denaturation with contraction due to maintained intermolecular cross-links.

Question 44

What is the optimal temperature range for radiofrequency-induced collagen shrinkage?

Answer 44

65–75°C.

Question 45

Why are tissues weakened after radiofrequency shrinkage?

Answer 45

Collagen denaturation reduces tensile strength for 6–12 weeks post-treatment.

Question 46

What is the main biomechanical advantage of arthroscopic shavers?

Answer 46

Simultaneous tissue debridement and suction improve visualization and efficiency.

Question 47

Why should fiberoptic cables not be tightly coiled during storage?

Answer 47

Glass fibers may fracture, reducing light transmission.

Question 48

What is the function of a switching stick in arthroscopy?

Answer 48

Progressive portal dilation and cannula exchange without losing joint access.

Question 49

Why is constant irrigation critical during arthroscopy?

Answer 49

Maintains joint distension, visualization, and tamponade effect to reduce bleeding.