Introduction

• Release of the medial patellar ligament allows the patella to freely slip over the medial trochlear ridge.

Uses

• Upward fixation of the patella   Patella: upward fixation  that has not responded to other treatments.

Advantages

• Very simple procedure.
• Can be done in the standing horse.
• Permanent release despite scar formation between the ends of the cut ligament.

Disadvantages

• Fails to address the initiating problem.
• Long-term osteoarthritis   Musculoskeletal: osteoarthritis (joint disease)  may result due to maltracking of the patella and/or altered gait.
• May predispose to patella fragmentation   Patella: fragmentation  .

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Good - long-term joint disease   Musculoskeletal: osteoarthritis (joint disease)  is possible.
• May predispose to patella fragmentation   Patella: fragmentation  .

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• McIlwraith C W (1990) Osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the patella in horses. Equine Vet J 22, 157-163 PubMed.
• Gibson K T, McIlwraith C W, Park R D & Norrdin R W (1989) Production of patellar lesions by medial patellar desmotomy in normal horses. Vet Surg 18, 466-471 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Stashak T S (1987) Upward Fixation of the Patella. In: Adams' Lameness in Horses. Ed: Satshak T S. Lea & Febiger, USA. pp 737-741.