If your pet has a medial luxating patella you have come to the right place. We can create a treatment plan to help your dog learn to control their knee cap and reduce the likelihood of luxating. If your pet undergoes surgery for a luxating patella we can help create a plan to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
How we treat luxating patellas at Walking Paws: after surgical correction, our post-surgical rehabilitation program restores range of motion and rebuilds the quadriceps with underwater treadmill therapy and laser therapy. For mild grades managed without surgery, we build strength and stability with targeted exercise and may recommend a stifle brace.
Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a condition where the patella (kneecap) does not stay in the groove of the knee. It can occur in both dogs and cats. Medial patellar luxations can be caused by a variety of factors including joint anatomy, muscle weakness, gait mechanics, or trauma. With a medial patellar luxation, the patella glides towards the inside of the knee joint leading to tightened muscles. These taut muscles can continue to make the luxation worse as they pull the patella out of place.
Medial patellar luxations can be graded based on their severity as outlined below. The luxations can progress from a lower grade to a higher grade as time goes on.
