Cruciani et al: A modified approach to portal placement for arthroscopic management of osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the tarsocrural joint in 15 dogs (19 tarsi)
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

• Study Design: Retrospective case series of 15 dogs (19 tarsi) with talar OCD.
• Technique: Modified arthroscopic approach with both scope and instrument portals on the same side as the lesion.
• Outcomes:
  • Good to excellent mid-to-long-term outcomes in 11/14 dogs.
  • Statistically significant improvement in CBPI (p < .05) and VAS scores (p < .05).
  • Minor postoperative complications (synovial cysts) in 4/13 tarsi, all resolved spontaneously.
  • No major intraoperative complications; 1/19 required mini-arthrotomy due to fragment size.
• Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): Progression noted in 10/14 cases, despite good functional outcomes.
• Fragment Characteristics: Multiple osteochondral fragments were present in most cases, with 17/19 lesions on the medial talar ridge.
• Technical Advantage: Lower conversion rate to arthrotomy (1/19) compared to previous studies (Gielen et al. and Miller & Beale).