## Overview Medial patellar ligament desmotomy is a surgical procedure in which the medial patellar ligament is cut to treat persistent upward fixation of the patella. It prevents the patella from locking over the medial trochlear ridge. The procedure is performed standing or under general anesthesia and has a high success rate for resolving locking. ## Causes Performed to correct upward fixation that has not responded to conditioning. ## Diagnosis Clinical confirmation of upward fixation of the patella. ## Treatment Surgical transection of the medial patellar ligament. Post-operative exercise is encouraged to prevent adhesions. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent for resolution of locking. Occasional fragment formation at the cut end has been reported but is uncommon with modern technique. ## Prevention Not applicable (it is a treatment).
performed for intermittent locking of the hind limb that does not respond to conditioning
## Overview Medial patellar ligament desmotomy is a surgical procedure in which the medial patellar ligament is cut to treat persistent upward fixation of the patella. It prevents the patella from locking over the medial trochlear ridge. The procedure is performed standing or under general anesthesia and has a high success rate for resolving locking. ## Causes Performed to correct upward fixation that has not responded to conditioning. ## Diagnosis Clinical confirmation of upward fixation of the patella. ## Treatment Surgical transection of the medial patellar ligament. Post-operative exercise is encouraged to prevent adhesions. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent for resolution of locking. Occasional fragment formation at the cut end has been reported but is uncommon with modern technique. ## Prevention Not applicable (it is a treatment).
performed for intermittent locking of the hind limb that does not respond to conditioning