title: Comparison of four techniques of arthrocentesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint of the horse.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical experiences indicate that centesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint is often unsuccessful.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the accuracy of 2 published and 2 unpublished techniques of centesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  It was hypothesised that a drug can be administered into the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint via a diverticulum of this joint that surrounds the medial aspect of the long digital extensor tendon and that this technique is more accurate than described techniques of centesis of this compartment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four stifles of 12 horses were divided equally into 4 groups and a radiocontrast medium injected into the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint of each group using a hypodermic needle inserted: 1) caudal to the lateral patellar ligament and proximal to the tibial plateau, 2) caudal to the long digital extensor tendon and proximal to the tibial plateau, 3) between the long digital extensor tendon and bone of the extensor groove of the tibia or 4) directly through the long digital extensor tendon until it contacted bone. Twelve veterinary students who had no experience using any of these techniques performed the injections. Accuracy of each technique was determined by examining radiographs obtained after injecting the contrast medium.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most successful technique for arthrocentesis was by inserting a needle through the long digital extensor tendon. This approach was successful in all attempted cases, whilst other techniques had lower rates of success.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint can be accessed accurately by inserting a needle through the long digital extensor tendon as it lies within the extensor groove. Other techniques may not be as accurate for clinicians inexperienced in arthrocentesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Sports Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA. schumjo@auburn.edu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilhite
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006736:Horses; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013264:Stifle
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media