Systematic Review for the Surgical Treatment of Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Introduction: Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a prevalent orthopaedic condition in dogs, especially small breeds, often resulting from misalignment of the stifle’s extensor mechanism. Despite its high incidence, postsurgical MPL outcomes vary, with up to 48% complication rates reported, highlighting the need for further research. This study systematically reviews MPL surgical outcomes, focusing on severe complications and reoperations to evaluate overall success rates.

Materials and Methods: English peer-reviewed studies on canine MPL surgery with at least 6 weeks of follow-up were included, excluding cases with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Three researchers independently reviewed four databases, resulting in 15 eligible studies, analysing factors like luxation type, treatment approach, complication rates, and re-luxation cases.

Results: Out of 306 studies, only 15 met the criteria. Twelve were Level III evidence and three were Level IV, with most showing low-quality evidence. A total of 1,578 dogs were evaluated, predominantly with medial luxation. Severe complications included pin issues (43%), re-luxation (34%), and tibial crest avulsion (29%). Techniques included imbrication, fascia lata reinforcement, trochleoplasty, and tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT), though standardization varied.

Discussion/Conclusion: Despite many MPL studies, high-quality research is scarce. Bilateral simultaneous surgeries showed higher complication rates. Evidence supports that preserving the distal cortex during TTT reduces complications, and trochleoplasty may not be essential in all cases, particularly grade III. The review emphasizes the need for standardized, objective postsurgical evaluations and evidence-based practices to guide future MPL treatment.

Acknowledgment

This project was supported by AO Foundation, AO VET. AO VET is a clinical division of the AO Foundation—an independent medically-guided not-for-profit organization, in Switzerland.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2025