title: Arthroscopy of the normal cadaveric ovine femorotibial joint: a systematic approach to the cranial and caudal compartments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Preclinical studies using large animal models play an intergral part in translational research. For this study, our objectives were: to develop and validate arthroscopic approaches to four compartments of the stifle joint as determined via the gross and arthroscopic anatomy of the cranial and caudal aspects of the joint.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cadaveric hindlimbs (n = 39) were harvested from mature ewes. The anatomy was examined by tissue dissection (n = 6), transverse sections (n = 4), and computed tomography (n = 4). The joint was arthroscopically explored in 25 hindlimbs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A cranio-medial portal was created medial to the patellar ligament. The cranio-lateral portal was made medial to the extensor digitorum longus tendon. The medial femoral condyle was visible, as well as the cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament and both menisci with the intermeniscal ligament. Valgus stress improved visibility of the caudal horn of the medial meniscus and tibial plateau. To explore the caudal compartments, a portal was created 1 cm proximal to the most caudal aspect of the tibial condyle. Both femoral condyles, menisci, caudal cruciate ligament, the popliteal tendon and the menisco-femoral ligament were visible. The common peroneal nerve and popliteal artery and vein are vulnerable structures to injury during arthroscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The arthroscopic approach developed in this research is ideal to evaluate the ovine stifle joint.
authors.affiliation: Rolf B. Modesto, V.M.D., Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55118, USA, Phone: +1 612 6256700, Fax: +1 612 625 6241, E-mail: modes007@umn.edu.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Modesto
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mansmann
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Schaer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D012756:Sheep; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Sheep; meniscus; second-look arthroscopy; stifle; translational research