Feasibility and Efficacy of Arthroscopic Medial Retinacular Release in the Canine Stifle. Hudson C, Kim W, Black T, Coleman K. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX.
This study was performed to assess the feasibility of arthroscopic release of the medial joint capsule (MJC) and medial femoropatellar ligament (MFL) using radio frequency ablation (RF). We hypothesized that the MJC and MFL could be released arthroscopically and that this technique would result in no gross damage to the medial femoral fascia (MFF). Stifle arthroscopy was performed in 16 canine cadaver stifles. An RF probe was used to transect the MJC and MFL. Stifles were dissected and intended versus actual release lengths were measured using a ruler. The medial support structure layers were separated and completeness of release was recorded. Damage to the MFF/Sartorius muscle was measured. MJC was completely released in 100% and the MFL in 87.5% of stifles. Damage to the MFF was documented in 50% of stifles, and on average affected the MFF over 50% of the length of the release. The arthroscopic technique resulted in a complete release of the MJC and MFL in the majority of stifles. In 50% of stifles some level of iatrogenic damage to the MFF was documented. We found that arthroscopic release of the MJC/MFL could be performed consistently but was commonly associated with mild damage to the MFF. This study was performed on canine stifles not affected by medial patellar luxation and histopathology assessment of tissue damage was not performed. Arthroscopic MJC/MFL release may be an option when a more minimally invasive approach to MPL surgery is desired.