Luxating Patella Surgery

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Patella luxation (=a dislocating kneecap) is quite common in small-breed dogs and is also occasionally seen in larger breed dogs and cats. It is important to surgically correct this problem as soon as it is detected as it can lead to premature arthritis and further damage to the knee joint structures. Dislocation also leads to a mechanically weaker leg due to loss of leverage at the knee. Symptoms vary from subtle changes in your pets mobility to temporary locking of the hindleg in a flexed position. Surgical correction uses a multifaceted approach, with deepening of the patella groove (= regroove), moving the boney attachment point of the patella tendon outwards (= tibial translocation) and tightening of the joint capsule (= joint capsule imbrication) which is generally successful in re-establishing normal joint function. We may also resort to the implantation of a nylon implant (Ridgestop implant procedure) to further bolster the inside ridge that holds the patella (kneecap) in place when it is severely worn or low. It may also assist in dealing with refractory cases of patella luxation.