Tube realignment for patellar luxation repair in dogs

Grade II patellar luxations in dogs were repaired by trochlear wedge recession in 5 stifles (group 1) and by proximal tube realignment in 5 stifles (group 2). A combination of the two techniques was used to correct grade 11 luxation in 10 stifles (group 3) and grade III luxation in 5 stifles (group 4). The position of the patella, weight bearing, and animal gait were postoperatively examined for 12 weeks. Satisfactory results were observed in 1(20%), 3(60%), and 9(90%) stifles with grade 11 luxation in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Good recovery from grade III luxation was observed in 2(40%) stifles from group 4. The luxations recurred in 4(80%), 2(40%), and 2(40%) stifles from groups 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Overcorrection was observed in 1(10%) and 1(20%) stifles from groups 3 and 4, respectively. In conclusion, tube realignment, when used solely, is not able to correct grades It and III luxations of the patella but it can correct the grade 11 luxation when combined with the trochlear wedge recession. For the grade III luxation, other reconstruction techniques are additionally required.