Figure 2

Schematic drawing of the surgical anatomy of the novel low morbidity approach. The described less-invasive surgical approach allows for a minimally invasive exposure of the distal two thirds of the medial and lateral trochlear facet in sheep. It preserves the oblique medial vastus muscle as well as the medial patellar retinaculum that would have to be transected using the classical medial parapatellar approach. Especially as no intraoperative patellar luxation is needed, the risk for postoperative patellar luxations is decreased compared to the classical approach. Moreover, flexion of the stifle joint allows for a good exposure of the medial and lateral condyle as well as the anterior third of both menisci. The skin incision is depicted in dark red. F: femur; QT: quadriceps tendon; OMV: oblique medial vastus muscle; MPR: medial patellar retinaculum; P: patella; LT: lateral trochlear facet; MT: medial trochlear facet; LC; lateral femoral condyle; MC: medial femoral condyle; PL: patellar ligament; FI: fibula; T: tibia. For ease of visualization, the remaining parts of the quadriceps muscle as well as other capsular structures and parts of the ovine anatomy are not shown.