Medial patellar ligament splitting in horses with upward fixation of the patella: A long-term follow-up.

The research article examines the long-term effects of utilizing Medial Patellar Ligament Splitting (MPLS) as a successful, minimally invasive treatment for upward fixation of the patella (UFP) in horses, a condition that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments.

Objective

• The main aim of this research was to study the long-term outcomes of using MPLS in treating UFP in horses. The researchers also aimed to gather insights on the possible complications and recurrence rate of the condition following the procedure.

Methods

• The researchers carried out a retrospective case series for this study. They collected data from horses that had undergone MPLS between the years 1999 to 2013. The horses selected for this procedure had clinically confirmed UFP that did not respond to less invasive methods of treatment.
• Data were gathered from medical records, follow-up visits, and through telephone conversations with the horse’s owner, trainer, or referring veterinarian.

Results

• 85 horses total were included in this research. Of these, 68% underwent surgery under general anesthesia in dorsal recumbency, whereas 32% underwent surgery while standing.
• A whopping 97.6% revealed a complete resolution of UFP immediately following the surgery or within two weeks of their rehabilitation period.
• A couple of cases (2.4%) only had unilateral resolution following a bilateral surgery, despite the procedure being repeated.
• The majority, 90.5% of cases, were followed for a period ranging from 3 to 14 years post-surgery. Notably, no short-term or long-term complications were reported.
• No recurrence of UFP was noticed in horses that resumed exercise post-surgery.

Conclusions

• Based on the study’s findings, Medial Patellar Ligament Splitting proves to be a highly effective and minimally invasive surgical method to treat upward fixation of the patella in horses. This is especially true when less invasive treatment methods do not yield any results.
• Additionally, the procedure facilitates a rapid return to sports activity. The most encouraging outcome gleaned from the study findings was the absence of any short or long-term complications coupled with no recurrence of the condition.