Patella Luxation

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. The condition affects primarily small breed dogs. Chihuahuas, yorkshire terriers and pomeranians are just a few of several small breeds often affected. Additionally, we occasionally encounter large breed patients who have luxating patellas. 

Often this condition is bilateral (affects both legs). 

There are several causes of patella luxation in patients, and the surgery that NAVO elects to utilize depends upon the nature of the cause of the luxation. 

Some of the causes of patella luxation  include: 

• Femoral varus/ valgus/ torsion
• Tibial varus/ valgus/ torsion
• Deviation of the tibial crest 
• Deformation/ malformation of the femoral trochlea. 

Because patellar luxation predisposes patients' to more debilitating orthopedic conditions, namely cranial cruciate rupture, we will generally recommend correction of this condition. 

We correct luxating patella in a wide variety of patient shapes and sizes, from 4 pounds up to the largest patients.