Introduction

• To access the stifle joint.

Uses

• Stifle arthrotomy.
• Stabilization of patellar luxation Patella: lateral luxation Patella: medial luxation.
• Meniscal inspection and partial resection Stifle: meniscus lesions.
• Stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle Stifle: cranial cruciate ligament disease.
• Treatment of stifle osteochondrosis Stifle: osteochondrosis.
• Surgery for distal femoral fractures Femur: fracture.

Advantages

• Most stifle procedures can be performed via the lateral parapatellar approach.
• Very safe because major neurovascular structures are caudal to stifle.
• A more limited lateral subpatellar arthrotomy can be used if desired, to allow access to the femorotibial joint but minimize morbidity. With this approach the incision is made 2-3 mm lateral to the straight patellar tendon, but only runs from the distal pole of the patellar to the tibial crest. The incision is not continued proximally alongside the patella.

Disadvantages

• Access to the caudal joint is limited
• The peroneal nerve (coursing just caudal to the fibular head) and the popliteal artery (lying deep to the lateral fabella) can be damaged during procedures involving placing sutures and/or the passage of a graft passer in that region.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Dependent on the procedure perfomed.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Brinker W, Piermattei D & Flo G (2006) Handbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics and Fracture Repair. 4th edn, Saunders.
• Piermattei D & Johnson K (2004) Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 4th edn, Saunders.