## Overview The popliteus muscle helps unlock the stifle from full extension. Weakness or dysfunction contributes to upward fixation of the patella, in which the hind limb momentarily locks in extension. Signs include catching or clicking at the stifle, worse at slow gaits or when tired, and improvement with fitness and hill work. ## Causes Poor quadriceps and popliteus tone, conformation, or immaturity. ## Diagnosis Observation of intermittent locking, especially when the horse is walked slowly or turned. ## Treatment Conditioning, hill work, and in persistent cases medial patellar ligament splitting or desmotomy. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. Many young horses improve with fitness. ## Prevention Adequate conditioning.
momentary hind-limb locking in extension; catching or clicking at the stifle; worse at slow gaits or when tired; improves with fitness
## Overview The popliteus muscle helps unlock the stifle from full extension. Weakness or dysfunction contributes to upward fixation of the patella, in which the hind limb momentarily locks in extension. Signs include catching or clicking at the stifle, worse at slow gaits or when tired, and improvement with fitness and hill work. ## Causes Poor quadriceps and popliteus tone, conformation, or immaturity. ## Diagnosis Observation of intermittent locking, especially when the horse is walked slowly or turned. ## Treatment Conditioning, hill work, and in persistent cases medial patellar ligament splitting or desmotomy. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. Many young horses improve with fitness. ## Prevention Adequate conditioning.
momentary hind-limb locking in extension; catching or clicking at the stifle; worse at slow gaits or when tired; improves with fitness