Medial Patellar Ligament Surgery Photos

A very short description of the following surgery

The surgical correction for this problem involves moving the patella and its ligament over into its groove. On occasion it is necessary to re-groove the femur in order for the patella to have a place to rest. Once moved over, a pin is placed to hold the patellar ligaments in place.

The drawing at the right is meant to help you to form a reference point for the joint and surgery that the following slides show.

1. 1. The leg is clipped and prepared for surgery.
   Photo 1
   
2. 2. Pelvic and leg radiographs are taken to determine the severity of the tibial changes.
   Photo 2
   
3. 3. Doctor Whitney and his assistant scrub for surgery.
   Photo 3
   
4. 4. Doctor Whitney gowns for surgery.
   Photo 4
   
5. 5. The stockinet is applied to the leg.
   Photo 5
   
6. 6. Doctor Whitney’s assistant Holly prepares the instrument table for surgery.
   Photo 6
   
7. 7. The skin incision is made.
   Photo 7
   
8. 8. This picture demonstrates the offset patella (kneecap).
   Photo 8
   
9. 9. Pointers are placed where the patella is and where it should be.
   Photo 9
   
10. 10. The joint is opened on the lateral side.
    Photo 10
    
11. 11. Note the shallow patellar groove in the femur. This is where the patella should ride.
    Photo 11
    
12. 12. The opposite side of the joint is opened.
    Photo 12
    
13. 13. The patellar ligament is now loose on both sides.
    Photo 13
    
14. 14. The patellar groove is cut to outline where the new groove is to be formed.
    Photo 14
    
15. 15. A new groove is made using a saw blade.
    Photo 15
    
16. 16. The flap of cartilage is lifted after sawing.
    Photo 16
    
17. 17. The back of the flap is shaved to reduce it’s thickness.
    Photo 17
    
18. 18. A curf cut is made to widen the groove.
    Photo 18
    
19. 19. The cartilage flap is laid down.
    Photo 19
    
20. 20. The tibial crest is cut loose to free the patella ligament so it can be moved over.
    Photo 20
    
21. 21. The tibial crest is cut; the hemostat points to the cut.
    Photo 21
    
22. 22. The rongeur instrument is used to remove bone in the location where the tibial crest will be transplanted.
    Photo 22
    
23. 23. The tibial crest is moved over into place.
    Photo 23
    
24. 24. The pin is placed to hold the bone securely.
    Photo 24
    
25. 25. The lateral fascia is narrowed to allow for tightening of the ligament.
    Photo 25
    
26. 26. The joint is flushed.
    Photo 26
    
27. 27. The fascia (muscle) is closed on both sides of the knee.
    Photo 27
    
28. 28. Doctor Whitney and Holly in surgery.
    Photo 28
    
29. 29. A continuous suture is used to bring the skin edges together tightly.
    Photo 29
    
30. 30. The skin is closed.
    Photo 30
    
31. 31. An injection of Bupivicaine, a pain reliever, is put into the joint to relieve discomfort post operatively.
    Photo 31
    

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    We hope that the surgery photos and explanation that we have shown will help you in your search for information about this surgery.

    If you have any questions regarding Medial Patellar Ligament Surgery, Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions in person, or call 309-685-4707 We want to ensure that your pet has the best of health.