Medial patellar ligament splitting for the treatment of upward fixation of the patella in 7 equids.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a surgical technique for splitting the proximal third of the medial patellar ligament (MPL) in horses and ponies with upward fixation of the patella (UFP), and to report outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Four horses and 3 Shetland ponies.

METHODS

With ultrasound guidance, the proximal third of the MPL was split by percutaneous use of a no. 15 scalpel blade. The rationale for this surgical procedure was to induce a localized desmitis with subsequent ligament thickening. No anti-inflammatory drugs were administered, and horses and ponies were exercised the day after surgery. Clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic follow-up evaluation was obtained.

RESULTS

No short-term or long-term complications were observed, and no patients had clinical signs of UFP after surgery. This clinical effect was attributed to a 2- to 3-fold increase in size of the proximal part the MPL from an induced localized desmitis. CONCLUSIONS-Percutaneous splitting of the proximal third of the MPL resolved UFP in equids.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Splitting of the proximal third of the MPL is effective for treatment of UFP and allows rapid return to normal activity.