Many animals, especially smaller dogs, suffer from a Luxating Patella - a condition where the kneecap pops out of the knee groove as the animal moves.

Patella Luxation can range from mild to severe, and can often lead to discomfort, pain and lameness, as well as early arthritis.

There are two types of Luxating Patella procedures that are successful in re-aligning the knee cap, and early intervention hugely increases the success of the procedure.

Ridgestop Implant

The most successful form of fixing a luxating patella is called the Ridgestop Technique. In some cases, we change the angle of the Tibial Crest, making a small incision into the bone and pinning the bone into place at the new position. We then go into the knee joint and introduce a special implant along the groove of the knee, which prevents the knee cap from slipping to the side and out of alignment. This newer technique is the least invasive form of fixing a Luxating Patella and is suitable for most sizes and breeds of dogs.

Trochlear Groove Deepening

There is also a technique which involves surgically deepening the groove that the kneecap sits in. We perform a wedge incision, removing a larger portion of the Trochlear Groove so the patella is less likely to slip out of alignment. This procedure tends to be more suitable for minature breeds of dogs.

With appropriate rest, rehabilitation and a slow introduction back to activity that our Vet will take you through, dogs with a Luxating Patella are able to lead active and happy lives!