Luxating Patella Surgery

Correcting a slipping kneecap so your dog can move comfortably again.

A luxating patella occurs when a dog’s kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal groove in the femur, either partially or completely. It’s one of the most common orthopedic conditions we see, especially in small and toy breed dogs, though it can affect dogs of any size.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Luxating Patella

Owners often notice their dog suddenly holding up a back leg for a few strides while running or playing, then “shaking it out” and walking normally again. Other signs include a skipping or hopping gait, intermittent lameness that comes and goes, or a visibly abnormal leg position. In more advanced cases, the lameness becomes constant.

Grades of Patellar Luxation

Luxating patella is classified into four grades based on severity:

Grade I: The kneecap can be manually luxated but returns to place on its own.
Grade II: The kneecap luxates during normal activity and may stay out until manually or spontaneously repositioned.
Grade III: The kneecap is luxated most of the time but can be manually returned to its groove.
Grade IV: The kneecap is permanently luxated and cannot be manually repositioned.

Grade I cases are sometimes managed without surgery, while Grades II–IV typically benefit from surgical correction to prevent progressive joint damage, arthritis, and further instability.

How We Diagnose It

Diagnosis starts with a hands-on orthopedic exam to grade the luxation, followed by imaging as needed. Our in-house CT imaging allows us to evaluate limb alignment and joint structure in detail, helping us build a precise, individualized surgical plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Surgical Correction

Surgery for a luxating patella typically addresses the underlying anatomical causes of the slipping kneecap, which may include deepening the femoral groove (trochleoplasty), realigning the tibial tuberosity, and tightening or releasing soft tissue around the joint as needed. The specific combination of techniques depends on the grade of luxation and your dog’s individual anatomy.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

Most dogs begin bearing weight on the leg within the first couple of weeks after surgery, with a full return to normal activity typically expected around 8 weeks. Strict activity restriction early on — leash walks only, no jumping or running — protects the surgical repair while it heals. With appropriate surgical correction and rehabilitation, the majority of dogs regain excellent long-term function.

Why Choose Our Team

Left untreated, a luxating patella can progressively damage the joint and lead to arthritis or a torn cruciate ligament over time. Our surgical team offers same-week consultations, in-house CT imaging, and financing through CareCredit and ScratchPay to make treatment accessible. If your dog’s limp turns out to be related to another orthopedic condition, we also treat cruciate ligament injuries, fractures, and other conditions through our full orthopedic surgery services.

Schedule a Consultation

If your dog’s kneecap seems to be popping out of place, or you’ve noticed an intermittent skip or hop in their gait, call us today to schedule an orthopedic evaluation.