Medial patellar desmotomy (MPD) is a common treatment for upward fixation of the patella (UFP). It is easy to perform, and in most cases results are immediate. However, joint changes after MPD have been described. The purpose of this study is to use synovial fluid evaluate the effects of MPD in horses subjected to restricted exercis in the first 120 days postoperatively. Eight sounds adult horses, weighing from 350 to 480kg, were used in the study. The selected animals had no history of lesions in the femuropatellar joint and did not demonstrate lameness on physical examination or after hind limb flexion tests. Right medial patellar desmotomy was performed on each horse. The synovial fluid was obtained by arthrocentesis during the selection phase and after surgery on days 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120. Synovial fluid color, viscosity, total protein, and nucleated cell count and diferential leukocyte count was analysed. The poor viscosity on day 30 was the highest significative change from synovial fluid on the horses subject to medial patelar desmotomy and maintened in rest for 120 days.
synovial fluid; equine; upward fixation of the patella; femuropatellar joint; stifle
