Introduction to Patella Luxation

Cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and medial patellar luxations are common orthopedic problem in dogs and cats. Successful treatment of these conditions requires accurate diagnosis and assessment. This course will provide up-to-date information on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and patellar luxation. Lectures and labs will emphasize techniques that can readily be performed in practice. Participants will learn how to differentiate partial versus complete tears of the CrCL. The course will include sections on stifle extracapsular repair, treatment of meniscal tears and meniscal release and treatment of MPL using the latest technology and surgical technique. Participants will also learn how to treat CrCL in patients having concomitant MPL. Following lecture and case review, participants will perform all these different techniques on cadavers and plastic bone models. Postoperative radiographs will be taken to assess the participant's repair technique. Postoperative management will also be discussed.