Patella Luxation

What causes patella luxation?

Luxating patellas are generally caused by abnormal shape of the structures of the knee. 
In many cases, the ridges of the base of femur (trochlear ridges) are too shallow allowing the ligament to slip over the sides. The point where the ligament attaches to the tibia (tibial tuberosity) is also often in the wrong position and pulls the ligament to the side. 

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What do luxating patellas look like?

When the patella slips out of its normal position, it can look like a hop or a skip in their step. It might only last a couple of steps and seem to go back to normal. Sometimes this can seem painful for the animal,

but not always. 

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Why do we treat patella luxation?

Every time the patella slips out of its normal position it causes damage to the cartilage in the knee joint. Over time this can become painful, and will cause arthritis to develop much earlier in life.

It can also increase the risks of cruciate ligament rupture.

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How do you treat patella luxation?

If the animal shows only mild or intermittent pain, then treatment with pain relief when needed may be enough. But a lot of cases benefit from surgery to help correct the abnormal structures of the knee so the patella doesn't slip anymore. This can be done by making the groove at the base of the femur deeper (trochleoplasty) and by moving the point where the ligament attaches to the tibia (tibial tuberosity transposition). 

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How much does patella luxation surgery cost?

The cost depends on what the patient needs; whether they need a trochleoplasty only, of if they need a tibial tuberosity transposition too. X-rays of the knees will show what surgical techniques are needed.

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You can book with us for a Complimentary Surgical Consult!

We can give you an accurate estimate for patella luxation surgery and answer all your questions.

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