Evaluation of surgical treatment of medial patellar luxation in Pomeranian dogs

Abstract

In a prospective study, the outcome of surgical correction of medial patellar luxation of 70 stifle joints in 55 Pomeranian dogs was evaluated. Trochlear block recession alone was performed in 46 stifle joints, or in combination with tibial tuberosity transposition in 24 stifle joints in cases with grade II, III or IV medial patellar luxation. Additional procedures were performed to restore lateral and medial retinacular function. The recurrence of patellar luxation and the degree of lameness were evaluated up to at least 16 weeks after surgery. The overall recurrence rate was 10%. The outcome of surgery was considered good for grade II luxation with a 100% success rate. Recurrent medial patellar luxation was diagnosed in approximately 11% of dogs with grade III and in 36% of dogs with grade IV luxation. The postoperative lameness score decreased significantly in comparison with the preoperative score at four weeks and thereafter until the end of the study.