PATELLA LUXATION (MPL/LPL)
WHAT IS THE SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR A PATELLA LUXATION?
Usually a combination of procedures is used to surgically treat patella luxation. The VOMC team will determine the most appropriate strategies to stabilize the knee cap based on your pet’s size, symptoms and lifestyle.
The types of procedures used to correct patella luxation include:
Recession trochleoplasty - Deepening the femoral groove
Tibial tuberosity transposition – realignment of the attachment point (tibial crest) of the patella tendon to the tibia (shin bone)
Joint capsule release
Fascial imbrication - Tightening the soft tissue structures on the side opposite of luxation.
Corrective osteotomy of the femur – This is less commonly performed and is reserved for dogs with severe femoral curvature or when the patella keeps luxating despite surgical correction with standard techniques.
WILL MY PET IMPROVE AFTER SURGERY?
Yes, the chance of a good recovery and return to full function following surgical stabilization of the patella is high.
WHAT ARE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS?
As with any orthopedic surgery, infection and implant-associated complications are possible. There is also a risk for recurrence of the patella luxation after surgical stabilization. This is a frustrating complication and will often lead to a second revision surgery to better stabilize the patella. Reluxation of the patella is more common in large active dogs, overweight/obese dogs, and dogs with high grade (grade IV) patella luxations. These potential complications are dependent on many different factors that will be reviewed with you prior to surgery.
WILL MY PET NEED REHABILITATION THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?
There is much evidence that therapy guided by a rehabilitation-trained veterinarian can speed recovery and improve long-term outcomes. Rehabilitation therapy plans are individualized for each patient but typically include LASER treatments to decrease inflammation and assist healing, passive range of motion exercises to restore joint movement, and therapeutic exercise and underwater treadmill sessions to promote weight bearing, muscle strengthening and balance.
HOW SOON WILL MY PET BE ABLE TO RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
Home care after surgery is an important part in maximizing your pet’s long-term recovery. Your pet’s activity will need to be on-leash when outside and confined to a small area inside for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Stairs, slippery surfaces and interactions with other dogs should also be avoided. Most pets will feel better as soon as 4 weeks after surgery because they have started to heal, so it is important they are not allowed to over-use or injure the limb until it has fully healed. Uncontrolled or excessive activity during this stage can lead to complications with the implant, reluxation of the patella, or secondary injures. After the initial period of restriction, you will be instructed on how to slowly increase activity.
We understand that even the best patients are not always fully cooperative with exercise restriction, and it can seem like an impossible undertaking. The team at VOMC will help guide you during this period. It is important to remember that a few weeks/months truly is a short time compared to your dog’s total lifetime. Perseverance and patience during the post-operative period eventually lead to a great outcome in most patients.