Patella Luxation is frequently encountered, yet as a clinician decision making is not always straightforward. Dogs with patella instability can have a wide spectrum of presentations. It is important to remember that even if patients do not have overt lameness on initial presentation, they may ultimately suffer morbidity secondary to arthritis, compensatory hip rotation and/or concurrent cruciate pathology.

Patella luxation should be considered a symptom of limb mal-alignment rather than an isolated disease entity. As such, planning repair requires careful attention to physical examination, well positioned imaging and intra-operative joint/limb evaluation. A variety of surgical techniques are possible, selecting the correct combination will optimise function and lower risk of complications.