ABSTRACT
Intra-articular anesthesia may be a good alternative to epidural anesthesia for procedures of the stifle or other joints. The procedure is typically performed following exploration of a joint but it can be performed preemptively. The area over the joint to be injected is clipped and surgically prepared. The anatomic landmarks used for locating the joint space will vary depending on the joint being injected. This technique is most commonly employed for stifle arthrotomy. The landmarks for deposition into the stifle are the lateral femoral condyle, the lateral aspect of the tibial tuberosity, patellar ligament, and patella. This technique should be performed in a sterile fashion. The needle will penetrate skin, subcutaneous tissue, and joint capsule and should be directed caudo-medially to enter the joint immediately lateral and distal to the distal tip of the patella. If sterile technique is not used or contaminated drug solutions are injected, septic arthritis may develop.
