Luxating patella
surgery.
What is a luxating patella?
The patella (kneecap) sits in a groove at the end of the femur called the trochlear groove. In a normal knee, it glides up and down in that groove as the leg moves. In dogs with patellar luxation, the groove is too shallow, the limb is structurally misaligned, or the soft tissue attachments are unbalanced — causing the kneecap to pop out of place.
The most common form is medial patellar luxation (MPL) — the kneecap dislocates toward the inside of the leg. Though more frequent in small and toy breeds, luxating patella occurs in dogs of all breeds and sizes. The classic sign is a dog that intermittently holds a hind leg up, then puts it back down and walks normally — the kneecap popped out and then back in.
Grading system.
Patellar luxation is graded I through IV based on severity. The grade determines whether surgery is recommended.
Grade I
Kneecap can be manually luxated but returns to normal position on its own. Often no symptoms. Usually monitored, not surgically treated unless progressing.
Grade II
Kneecap luxates with pressure and may stay out of place briefly. Intermittent skipping gait. Surgery recommended if symptoms are frequent or progressing.
Grade III
Kneecap is luxated most of the time but can be manually reduced. Consistent lameness. Surgery recommended.
Grade IV
Kneecap is permanently luxated and cannot be reduced. Severe lameness, limb deformity. Surgery required.
Recovery timeline.
Hospital stay with pain management. Bandage applied to stabilize the joint. Ice therapy.
Bandage removed at 2 weeks. Strict cage rest. Leash walks for bathroom only. E-collar at all times.
Gradually increasing leash walks (5-15 min). No stairs, no jumping, no off-leash activity.
30-minute leash walks. Dog usually feels great — controlled restraint is the challenge.
Recheck radiograph. Most dogs cleared for return to normal activity.
Luxating patella FAQs.
What is a luxating patella?
A luxating patella is a dislocated kneecap. The patella normally rides in a groove (the trochlear groove) at the end of the femur. In dogs with patellar luxation, that groove is too shallow or the limb is structurally misaligned, causing the kneecap to pop out of place — usually toward the inside (medial luxation). This is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in small breed dogs.
How much does luxating patella surgery cost?
Nationally, luxating patella surgery ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per knee. In Michigan, the average is $3,500-$5,000 per knee. At WMVO, we give you a straight price on the phone — no paid consultation required to get a number. Call us at (616) 364-3333.
How long is luxating patella surgery recovery?
Recovery takes 8 to 12 weeks. The first 2 weeks involve strict rest with a stabilizing bandage. By 6 weeks, most dogs are walking comfortably on leash. At the 8-12 week recheck, most dogs are cleared for full normal activity.
Is luxating patella surgery worth it?
For grades III and IV, surgery is strongly recommended. Without surgery, the condition progressively worsens — causing chronic pain, arthritis, and frequently a CCL tear (the equivalent of an ACL tear in humans). Early surgical correction prevents these downstream problems and restores normal limb function. For grade II, surgery is recommended if symptoms are frequent or worsening.
What breeds are most affected?
Small and toy breeds are most commonly affected: Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Miniature Poodles. However, large breeds can also be affected, and when they are, the consequences tend to be more severe due to the greater weight load on the joint.
Can both knees be affected?
Yes — bilateral luxating patella is common. If both knees need surgery, we typically stage them 6-8 weeks apart so your dog always has one functional leg for mobility during recovery.
Is your dog skipping a step?
That intermittent hop is often a luxating patella. Call us — we'll examine your dog and tell you honestly whether surgery is needed or if monitoring is appropriate.