To determine if the novel maneuver increases joint visibility compared to traditional abduction alone. Prospective, case-study Dogs (n=30) with diagnosed medial coronoid disease via physical exam and CT scan prior to surgery. In all animals, the joint was examined with traditional abduction of the elbow and images were acquired of the craniolateral joint compartment via Arthrex 1.9 mm arthroscope. Images were then acquired after the novel maneuver was performed. Using Image J software, the joint space was measured from the radial incisor to the humeral condyle in pixels. Percent (%) change between the two methods was recorded and evaluated using t-Test analysis. Patient weight, duration of lameness, and joint range of motion (ROM) were also measured. The novel maneuver showed a statistically significant increase of 36% in joint diameter compared to traditional abduction alone. Animal weight did not affect percent change significantly. Neither duration of lameness, patient weight, or ROM were significant between the two maneuvers. This novel maneuver showed statistically significant increased visualization of the craniolateral aspect of the elbow joint. Percent change of joint visibility was not affected by patient weight, range of motion of the joint or by duration of lameness prior to surgery. Limitations of the study included a lack of fixed length within each image for measurements, significance of concurrent orthopedic diseases and small population size. Given the results, this technique should be considered in any elbow arthroscopic procedure to increase joint visibility, especially if there is difficulty in instrument usability.
