Feline shoulder arthroscopy using a caudolateral portal, a cadaveric study.

The aim of this cadaveric study was to determine the normal arthroscopic anatomy of the feline shoulder from a caudolateral arthroscope portal, to compare this with the gross anatomy evident upon dissection, and to determine the degree of iatrogenic trauma caused by the arthroscopy. A 1.9 mm, 30° fore oblique arthroscope via a caudolateral portal, and a 21-gauge needle via a craniolateral egress portal were used to assess intra-articular structures in eight feline cadaveric shoulders. The medial glenohumeral ligament was shown to be a single banded structure in the craniomedial compartment, and the subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion was visible in all eight shoulders. The biceps brachii tendon and sheath could be examined, although the transverse humeral ligament was not evident arthroscopically from this portal. The lateral glenohumeral ligament was not demonstrated arthroscopically, although a well-defined capsular thickening was present on dissection. No significant neurovascular trauma was evident after arthroscopy.