🔍 Key Findings
- Feline hip arthroscopy was feasible in all 12 cadaver hips using a 1.9 mm needle scope.
- Optimal limb positioning (neutral duction, 90° hip extension, traction) provided best joint visualization.
- All intra-articular structures (femoral head, acetabulum, round ligament, joint capsule, etc.) were identified arthroscopically.
- Instrument portal placement was safe, avoiding sciatic nerve and caudal gluteal artery; minimum nerve distance was 1.1 mm.
- Minor iatrogenic cartilage injury was observed in all hips; one case had a full-thickness lesion.
- Portal creation caused minimal muscle trauma, with occasional impingement on gemelli or biceps femoris.
- Use of a probe improved visualization of the dorsal acetabular rim and dorsal joint capsule.
- Arthroscopy was also successful in hips with DJD, showing similar visualization to normal joints.
