Medial Patellar Luxations

Medial Patellar Luxations are a common orthopedic condition, especially in small and toy breed dogs. This is also known as the sliding or floating knee cap problem. The patella normally lives in a groove in the end of the femur and slides up and down in this groove with extension and flexion of the knee as the quadriceps muscles contract and relax. In some animals, the patella can get out of this groove to one side. Over time, this action will degrade the smooth cartilage of the joint, causing pain and arthritis. This problem can happen due to a shallow groove and/or due to an angular limb deformity. Traditionally, a surgeon could deepen this groove. This is invasive and sometimes tricky to get it just right.

The​ RidgeStop implant offers an alternative. Rather than deepening the groove, the RidgeStop technique utilizes a special implant screwed to the bone to heighten the ridge, keeping the patella in the groove. This technique is less invasive, faster, and generally easier to perform correctly. This technique can be combined with other realignment surgery in cases of higher grade as well. At Tongass, we have performed many RidgeStop procedures with excellent success.