Fragment fractures in dogs

In dogs, osteocartilagenous fragment fractures result from osteochrondritis or trauma. The small size of articulations and the lesions generally prohibits fixation of the osteochondral fragments. Arthroscopy facilitates both diagnosis and treatment of these conditions: the site of the lesion can be curetted with minimal articular access. The prognosis will depend on the size of the fracture. Post-operative recuperation is better with arthroscopy than conventional surgery. Arthroscopy limits the effect of surgical trauma additional to the pre-existing lesions.