Key information
Patellar Luxation Part 1: Pathoanatomy, Diagnostic Tips and Client Education
This lecture begins with a discussion of what determines whether the patella tracks normally or it luxates. Understanding of this relevant pathoanatomy guides the veterinarian in their diagnostic methods, client education, case selection, and surgical techniques. Diagnostic tips include a discussion of breeds at risk for medial patellar luxation (MPL) vs. lateral patellar luxation (LPL), gait patterns typical of MPL and LPL, the importance of the standing examination and hip extension, video demonstration of cruciate ligament evaluation and common radiographic errors that can be avoided. This module concludes with a discussion of evidence-based answers to questions commonly asked by pet owners. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to understand and diagnose patellar luxation (including the difficult cases) and to educate pet owners with regard to their commonly asked questions.
Patellar Luxation Part 2: Case Selection and Surgical Approach
It has been said that “God’s problems become the surgeon’s problem as soon as a scalpel touches the patient”…life is too short to spend lots of time and anguish managing patient complications that could have easily been avoided in the first place! This lecture will utilize an evidence-based approach (supplemented by Dr. Palmer’s experience) to guide you in case selection so that you can enjoy more than your share of “surgical successes” and avoid the cases that are at risk of developing complications. You will also learn Dr. Palmer’s general step-by-step approach to patellar surgery as well view video demonstrations of a medial and lateral parapatellar arthrotomy.
Patellar Luxation Part 3: Trochleoplasty and Tibial Crest Transposition
In this module, you will learn how to determine if your patient requires a trochleoplasty and how to perform abrasion, wedge, block and trochlear chondroplasty techniques. Liberal use of video demonstration will provide the attendee with great insight in how to effectively perform wedge and block trochleoplasty techniques including some tips that you won’t find in the textbooks! Next you will learn how to determine if your patient requires a tibial crest transposition before learning new surgical techniques such as the “temporary door stopper needle” that simplify the procedure for the novice (and ‘not-so-novice’) surgeon.
Patellar Luxation Part 4: Soft Tissue Tension Balancing, Surgical Instrumentation, and Postoperative Care
Attendees will enjoy high resolution video footage from Dr. Palmer’s operating room as they learn about capsular release, quadriceps release, and imbrication surgical techniques. You will then benefit from Dr. P’s discussion of ‘tools of the trade’ that are useful in each component of patellar luxation corrective surgery. Finally, Dr. P (aka ‘the Patella Fella’) will provide attendees with a lively discussion of the goals and “how to” techniques of postoperative care and lifelong joint support following patellar luxation surgery.
