🔍 Key Findings
Study type: Cadaveric stifle arthroscopy in large breed dogs (n=12 joints from 6 dogs)
Goal: Describe and assess the proximal lateral portal for insertion of a Ventura stifle thrust lever (VSTL)
Main results:
- No damage to the long digital extensor tendon (LDE) with this portal
- VSTL could be placed without removing the arthroscope
- Portal creation time ~37 seconds (faster than previously reported)
Cartilage impact:
- Superficial iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI) present in all specimens
- No difference in IACI between 5- and 10-minute lever durations
- Zone 4 (lateral femoral condyle) had significantly more damage than zones 1–3 (p < .05)
Conclusion: Portal was safe, repeatable, minimally invasive, and did not increase cartilage damage with up to 10-minute lever use
