Rotation of the femoral trochlea for treatment of medial patellar luxation in a dog

A crossbreed dog presented with non-weight bearing on the right hind limb and a semi flexed stifle. Clinical examination and radiographic investigation showed a grade 3 medial patellar luxation, characterised by hypoplasia of the medial trochlear ridge. No other significant skeletal abnormalities were detected. A 180° rotation of the femoral trochlea was the surgical technique chosen to treat the trochlear dysplasia, the aim being to move the normal lateral ridge to the medial side and thereby prevent patellar luxation. This technique was able to restore correct conformation of the femoral trochlea and preserve the integrity of the trochlear groove cartilage, thus potentially retarding the progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The dog recovered fully and post-operative radiographic examinations showed healing of the rotated trochlea with only mild signs of DJD.