Veterinary SurgeryRefer a case
Canine orthopedic surgery · Kentucky & Southern Indiana
Patellar luxation surgery in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA provides board-certified surgery for medial patellar luxation (MPL) through KVS partner veterinary clinics.
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What is a luxating patella?
The patella (kneecap) normally glides in a groove at the end of the femur. In patellar luxation, it slips out of that groove, most often toward the inside of the knee (medial). Owners may notice a skip in their dog's step, holding a back leg up for a few strides, or a stiff gait. It's most common in small breed dogs, but it can happen in any breed. Large breed dogs tend to be more affected by it, while some small dogs get around surprisingly well even when the kneecap sits far out of its groove.
Luxation is graded from 1 to 4 by severity. Not every dog needs surgery; your primary veterinarian and KVS consider the grade, signs, age, and whether there is also a cruciate ligament injury. Dr. Bruce takes a conservative approach: because any surgery carries potential complications, he looks for a fairly consistent lameness that affects quality of life, not just an occasional skip, before recommending surgery. He also generally prefers to repair patellar luxation after the growth plates have closed, unless the deformity is severe; severe cases may need more than one procedure.
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What MPL surgery involves
Surgery realigns the knee so the kneecap tracks correctly. Depending on the patient, it may combine:
deepening the femoral groove (trochleoplasty, such as a block or wedge recession),
moving the attachment of the patellar ligament on the tibia (tibial tuberosity transposition), held with pins, and
tightening the soft tissues on the outer side of the knee (lateral imbrication), and
in some dogs, a corrective bone cut to straighten the femur (closing wedge osteotomy).
Dr. Bruce evaluates the alignment of the entire leg, including bowing of the femur, the position of the tibial tuberosity, and the depth of the trochlear groove, to choose the right combination. If a dog also has a torn cruciate ligament, the patellar repair can be combined with a lateral suture in a small breed dog or with a TPLO in a larger breed dog. Occasionally implants need to be removed later if they irritate the patellar tendon.
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How the KVS referral model works
Your veterinarian evaluates the knee.
KVS reviews and plans the case.
Surgery stays with the local team at the participating clinic, followed by a coordinated recovery and recheck plan.
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Recovery
Most dogs are at least toe-touching within 1–2 weeks. Expect about 8 weeks of restricted activity: leash walks only, no running, jumping, or stairs. Rechecks are at 2 weeks to remove stitches and at 8 weeks for an assessment, with recheck radiographs to confirm healing. If a bone procedure was performed, discharge instructions include exercises and rehab options, and KVS is developing text message and email updates so owners get weekly guidance through the rehab timeline.
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Service area
Louisville Metro and surrounding Kentucky communities; Lexington and Central Kentucky partner practices; Southern Indiana. KVS is not a walk-in hospital. Availability is coordinated with participating veterinary clinics.
Common questions
Common questions about patellar luxation surgery
Who performs MPL surgery for KVS?
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA, an ACVS board-certified small-animal surgeon and the owner of Kentucky Veterinary Surgery.
Where is MPL surgery performed?
At participating veterinary clinics in Louisville, Lexington, surrounding Kentucky communities, and Southern Indiana.
Does every luxating patella need surgery?
No. Low-grade cases with no lameness are often monitored. Your veterinarian and KVS recommend surgery based on grade, signs, and the overall exam.
Can both knees be affected?
Yes, it's often bilateral. Dr. Bruce almost always stages the two knees at least 6 weeks apart, as long as the dog is doing well on the first side.
How do I get started?
Begin with your primary veterinarian, who can examine your dog, take radiographs, and submit a referral to KVS.
Sources
References
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Patellar Luxations. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations/
Next step
Start with the veterinary team who knows your pet.
Start with the veterinary team who knows your dog.
Find a partner clinic