Post operative stifle range of motion in dogs with medial patellar luxation undergoing either trochlear wedge recession or trochlear block recession surgery

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate post-operative range of motion of stifle joints in dogs affected with medial patellar luxation in order to compare two surgical techniques: trochlear wedge recession vs. trochlear block recession. The study was done with 67 joints from 54 small breed dogs (21 Mini-Pinschers, 16 Chihuahuas, 11 Pomeranians and 6 Yorkshire terriers). From these, 31 joints underwent wedge recession surgery and the other 36: block recession surgery. In wedge recession surgery, trochlear groove deepening was done by removal of a V-shaped wedge, whereas in block recession, the wedge was rectangular. Block recession is suggested to provide a deeper and wider trochlea with preservation of the major part of the articular cartilage. The results suggested that both trochleoplasty techniques resulted in reduction of joint range of motion and improvement of limb alignment at the first post-operative month.