American Staffordshire Terrier Club Of
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Luxating Patellas

The patella, commonly referred to as the knee cap is usually located in the centre of the knee joint. A luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location, as indicated by the term "luxating" which means out of place or dislocated.

What causes the patella to luxate?
The patella slides in a groove on the lower end of the femur (the bone that runs between the hip and the knee). There is a ligament called the "patella ligament" which runs from the bottom of the patella to the tibia, (the bone just below the knee joint). This ligament keeps the patella in place. The thigh muscles are attached to the top of the patella. When the thigh muscles contract, the force is passed through the patella and through the patella ligament, which results in straightening of the knee joint. The patella can luxate because the point where the patella ligament attaches to the tibia can sometimes be attached too far inward. As the thigh muscles contract, the force pulls the patella against the inner groove that it is sitting in.

After several months, the inner side of the groove wears down and the patella is free to move out of the groove or luxate. This can be quite painful when this happens and the dog may have difficulty putting weight on the leg. After a while, some dogs learn to kick the leg and push the patella back in place. However, because the groove is gone, the patella can easily move out of place again. Some dogs can tolerate this problem for a while, but the joint may become arthritic and painful.

Can a luxating patella be fixed?
A surgery called, "Medial Luxating Patella Repair", can be performed.
There are three steps to the surgery:

  1. The point where the patella ligament is attached is moved and surgically fixed to its proper location.
  2. The groove where the patella sits is deepened so the patella will stay in place.
  3. The capsule around the knee joint is tightened.
It is important to have this surgery performed before arthritis occurs in the joint. If there is no arthritis, the dog should regain full use of its leg. If there is arthritis in the joint already, the joint can still be painful, especially in the cold weather.

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  • Home
  • The ASTC NSW
    • The Committee
    • Membership
  • About The Breed
    • Breed Standard
    • History
    • Health >
      • Cerebeller Ataxia
      • Hip Dysplasia
      • Elbow Dysplasia
      • Eye Conditions
      • Heart Conditions
      • Thyroid Conditions
      • Luxating Patellas
    • Temperament
    • Puppy Care
    • Breed Bans
  • Events
    • Club Calendar
    • Activities >
      • Agility
      • Obedience
      • Showing Your Dog
      • Tracking
    • Conformation Shows >
      • Accommodation options
      • April 2017 >
        • 34th Championship Show
        • 35th Championship Show
      • March 2016 >
        • Friday 25th March 2016
        • Saturday 26th March 2016
      • 27th August 2015
      • April 2015
      • 28th August 2014
      • Saturday 19th 2014 Championship Show
      • Friday 18th April 2014 Championship Show
      • Saturday 19th April Open Show
      • 29th August 2013
      • Saturday 30th March 2013 Championship Show 2
      • Saturday 30th March 2013 Open Show
      • Friday 29th March 2013 Championship Show 1
      • Sunday 8th April 2012 Championship Show
      • Saturday 7th April 2012 Open Show
      • Friday 6th April 2012 Championship Show
      • 24th April 2011 Open Show
      • 24th April 2011 Championship Show
      • 23rd April 2011 Open Show
      • 23rd April 2011 Championship Show
      • 11th September 2010
      • 10th April 2010
      • 29th November 2009
      • April 2009
      • November 2008
      • 29th March 2008
      • November 2007
      • April 2007
      • November 2006
      • April 2006
      • 18th November 2005
      • 27th March 2005
      • 19th November 2004
      • 11th April 2004
      • 21st November 2003
      • 20th April 2003
      • 22nd November 2002
      • 31st March 2002
      • 14th October 2001
    • Point Score >
      • Point Score Rules
      • Point score Dates
  • Directory
    • Amstaff Breeders
    • Stud Dogs
    • Litters
    • Available Adults
  • Links
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