Problems in a joint can be caused by damaged ligaments, loose fragments of cartilage or bone, malalignment, instability, fractures or developmental joint diseases. Lameness is common, but the degree of lameness does not always show how extensive the damage is. An orthopaedic examination is therefore often combined with X-rays, and sometimes CT or other imaging, before deciding on surgery.
Joint surgery is an umbrella term for many different procedures. In some conditions the joint can be examined and treated with arthroscopy, where a small camera and fine instruments are passed in through small openings. Arthroscopy is used for certain problems in the elbow, shoulder, knee and hock joints of dogs, among others. Other conditions need open surgery, stabilisation with implants or corrective bone surgery. Cruciate ligament injuries, patellar luxation, some fractures close to a joint and some cartilage injuries are examples of problems where surgery may be considered.
Surgery is not automatically the right treatment for every joint disease, however. The patient's age, symptoms, anatomical changes, activity level and the scientific evidence for the different treatment options need to be weighed together. After joint surgery, controlled weight-bearing and rehabilitation are often an important part of the treatment. The aim is not just for the wound to heal but to restore function that is as good and pain-free as possible.