Patellar Luxation - Simple and Advanced (August 2025)

Includes a Live In-Person Event on 08/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (MDT)

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a 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 patellar luxation.

Lectures and labs will emphasize techniques that can readily be performed in practice. The course includes surgical treatment of MPL using 3 different types of trochleoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition, soft tissue balancing techniques and a discussion on when corrective osteotomy may be needed. Participants will also learn how to treat CrCL in patients having concomitant MPL using a novel extracapsular ligament system. Following lecture and case review, participants will perform all these different techniques on cadavers and plastic bone models. 

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the mechanism of patellar luxation
  • Learn diagnostic techniques to make surgical decisions and plan
  • Learn basic surgical techniques for uncomplicated MPL be deepening the trochlear groove and aligning the quadriceps mechanism using a tibial tuberosity transposition
  • Learn how to perform a medial retinacular release and a lateral imbrication to balance soft tissue tension on the patella.
  • Learn how to perform a distal femoral osteotomy (DFO)
  • Learn how to place an isometric lateral prosthetic ligament to treat concomitant MPL and CCL tears

Participants are encouraged to invite a technician/assistant to join them for the course. Develop your surgical team when you train alongside each other to perform new procedures. Technicians/Assistants must be registered for the same product as their respective veterinarian in order to attend the course.

Day 1

8:00 Welcome and introduction
8:10 Understanding the mechanism of patellar luxation
8:35 Diagnostic steps for patellar luxation
9:00 Break
9:20 Decision-making for MPL – when and what to correct
9:40 Treating the shallow trochlear groove
10:15 Laboratory 1- Trochleoplasty – cadaver - Trochlear block (TBR) or wedge recession (TWR)
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Tibial Tuberosity Transposition
1:30 Soft tissue balancing
2:00 Laboratory 3- TTT – plastic bone and cadaver
3:30 Laboratory 4 – Release incision and imbrication - cadaver
4:30 End of Day

Day 2

8:00 Review of Radiographs from Day 1
8:30 Osteotomy for patellar luxation – When and How?
9:00 Break
9:15 MPL and concurrent CrCL tears – how to handle
10:00 Laboratory 5 – DFO – cadaver
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Laboratory 6 – Extracapsular CCL/MPL repair – cadaver
3:30 Complications
4:00 End of Course 

Javier Avendano, DVM, DACVS

Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon

H-Town Veterinary Specialists

Dr. Javier Avendano brings a remarkable expertise and a passion for orthopedic surgery to H-Town Veterinary Specialists. Born in Santiago, Chile, and raised in Plymouth, Minnesota, Dr. Avendano's  blend of surgical expertise, compassion, and love for animals makes him a valuable addition to the veterinary community.

After earning his bachelor's degree in Biology, Society, and Environment from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Avendano pursued his veterinary education at St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. His dedication to surgical excellence led him to complete a rotating internship at Mississippi State University followed by a surgical internship at VCA Hollywood in Florida. Dr. Avendano then undertook his surgical residency at Veterinary Surgical Centers in northern Virginia, culminating in his board certification in 2024.

While Dr. Avendano enjoys all aspects of surgery, his professional expertise lies in orthopedic procedures.

This unique facility is nestled on 1.4-acres in the quaint mountain town of Park City and is home to the Bark City Veterinary Specialists practice and Nexus Park City. The property has been newly renovated but retains its rustic mountain charm. Bark City is home to the renowned veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brian Beale.

Included in Your Experience

When participating in a course at Nexus Park City, you can expect the following amenities to be included.

  • Complimentary lunch
  • All general/specialty instrumentation used in each course
  • Instructor’s course notes

Visit Us 5373 UT-224, Park City, UT 84098
Call Us 435.200.2161
Email Us ce@nexus.vet

Hands-On CE Course
08/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (MDT)   |  1 day, 8 hours, 30 minutes
08/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (MDT)   |  1 day, 8 hours, 30 minutes
Certificate
17.00 Credit Hours credits  |  Certificate available
17.00 Credit Hours credits  |  Certificate available Once you have completed all course requirements, please download your CE course certificate for verification of attendance and completion.