Patellar luxation in dogs Part 2: Treatment*

Patellar luxation in dogs

Surgical treatments for patellar luxation in dogs may be broadly categorised into those which reduce the ease with which the patella can exit the trochlear groove, and those which aim to realign the quadriceps mechanism. A number of techniques may be performed to increase the depth of the trochlear groove and implants have become available in recent years to increase the height of the trochlear ridges. Soft tissue release (medially) and imbrication (laterally) may be relied upon, only temporarily, to stabilise a luxating patella. Realignment of the quadriceps mechanism can be performed by moving the insertion of the musculo-tendinous unit (i.e. tibial tuberosity transposition) or anti-rotational suture placement. More advanced procedures to address femoral and tibial deformities may also be considered for certain cases.