Patellar Luxation Surgery for Dogs in Boston: Expert Kneecap Stabilization

Stop pain, restore mobility, prevent arthritis.

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Kechia Davis surgically corrects luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) in dogs to restore normal knee function and prevent long-term joint damage. If your dog is skipping on a back leg or holding it up intermittently, patellar luxation may be the cause.

What Is Patellar Luxation in Dogs?

Patellar luxation occurs when your dog’s kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the femur (thigh bone). In a healthy knee, the patella slides smoothly up and down in this groove as the leg bends and straightens. When the patella luxates (dislocates), it moves to the inside or outside of the knee, causing pain, instability, and an abnormal gait.

Patellar luxation is especially common in small and toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Boston Terriers, though it can affect dogs of any size. Most dogs with patellar luxation are born with anatomical factors that make luxation likely: a shallow groove, misaligned leg bones, or abnormal muscle attachments. Over time, repeated luxation damages the cartilage and leads to arthritis.

Common signs of a slipping kneecap in dogs:

  • Intermittent skipping or hopping on a back leg
  • Holding the leg up for a few steps, then using it normally again
  • “Shaking out” the leg to pop the kneecap back into place
  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
  • Progression to more frequent episodes over time

Patellar luxation is graded from I (mild, occasional luxation) to IV (severe, permanently out of place). Grade 2 and Grade 3 patellar luxation are the most commonly seen cases requiring surgery, though Grade 4 also benefits from surgical correction.

Why Surgery Is an Option for Luxating Patellas

This is the most common question we hear: Is surgery really necessary if this only happens to my dog occasionally?

Here’s the reality: Patellar luxation typically doesn’t get better on its own—it gets worse. Each time the kneecap slips out of place, it damages the cartilage in the joint. Over months and years, this leads to painful arthritis, even in young dogs. What starts as occasional skipping progresses to constant lameness and chronic pain.

Surgery corrects the underlying anatomical problems and stabilizes the kneecap in its proper position. This stops the progression of joint damage and allows your dog to move normally without pain or skipping.

Without Surgery

  • Progressive cartilage damage and arthritis
  • Increasing frequency of luxation episodes
  • Chronic pain and lameness
  • Potential CCL tears
  • Worsening bone deformity over time

With Surgery

  • Kneecap stays in proper position
  • Normal, pain-free movement
  • Prevention of arthritis progression
  • Better long-term joint health
  • Improved quality of life

Early intervention prevents worsening deformity and gives your dog the best chance at normal mobility for life.

These grades mean the kneecap is slipping out frequently enough to damage the joint. Some very mild Grade 2 cases can be watched, but most dogs feel better and move better after surgery. If your dog is holding up his or her leg multiple times a week (or every day!) surgery stops the cartilage damage that leads to arthritis. Fixing the problem early prevents years of joint damage, giving your dog a much more comfortable life and mobility long term. What Dogs Need Patellar Luxation Surgery? Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4 patellar luxation 1 Dr. Davis typically recommends surgery for Many dogs have luxating patellas in both knees. Correcting them (either together or staged) prevents long-term problems. Dogs who skip or limp frequently 2 Young dogs with Grade 2 or higher 3 Dogs with bilateral luxation 4 These breeds are built in a way that makes patellar luxation common. Fixing it early means better mobility for their whole life.
 Small and toy breeds predisposed to luxation
 5

Conservative management (non-surgical management) may work for dogs with very mild Grade 1 luxation who aren’t limping. At your consultation, Dr. Davis will assess your dog’s grade, symptoms, breed, and age to recommend whether surgery will improve their quality of life.

What to Expect with Patellar Luxation Surgery

Your Consultation

Your $200 exam includes a complete orthopedic evaluation, assessment of patellar stability and tracking, and grading of the luxation. Dr. Davis will explain which surgical techniques your dog needs and what kind of improvement to expect.

Surgery Day

Drop off in the morning. Surgery typically takes 60-90 minutes depending on the complexity and number of procedures needed. Most dogs go home the same day, though some stay overnight for monitoring. Dr. Davis will call with updates during the procedure.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery takes 8-12 weeks for the bone and soft tissues to heal completely.

Most dogs are back to full activity by 10-12 weeks. The key is not rushing recovery—bone and soft tissue need time to heal properly, and this is how we prevent recurrence.

Why Choose CORE for Patellar Luxation Surgery Dr. Kechia Davis (DACVS) has performed hundreds of patellar luxation corrections. She tailors the surgical approach to each dog's specific anatomy rather than using a one-size-fits-all technique. Board-certified surgeon with 20+ years experience Dr. Davis uses a combination of procedures—trochleoplasty (including wedge recession), tibial tuberosity transposition, soft tissue balancing, and joint capsule reconstruction—customized to what your dog needs for optimal stability and lasting results. Advanced surgical techniques
 Every anesthesia technician has 10+ years in specialty surgery. Complex orthopedic procedures require precise anesthesia management, and our team excels at it. Experienced team When you call during recovery, you talk to Dr. Davis or her technicians directly. No phone trees, no waiting days for callbacks. Direct communication

Why Choose CORE for Patellar Luxation Surgery

Board-certified surgeon with 20+ years experience

Dr. Kechia Davis (DACVS) has performed hundreds of patellar luxation corrections. She tailors the surgical approach to each dog’s specific anatomy rather than using a one-size-fits-all technique.

Advanced surgical techniques

Dr. Davis uses a combination of procedures—trochleoplasty (including wedge recession), tibial tuberosity transposition, soft tissue balancing, and joint capsule reconstruction—customized to what your dog needs for optimal stability and lasting results.

Experienced team

Every anesthesia technician has 10+ years in specialty surgery. Complex orthopedic procedures require precise anesthesia management, and our team excels at it.

Direct communication

When you call during recovery, you talk to Dr. Davis or her technicians directly. No phone trees, no waiting days for callbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does patellar luxation surgery cost?

Patellar luxation surgery at CORE costs [COST TBD], which includes everything: board-certified surgeon, specialty anesthesia team, all surgical supplies and implants, post-op pain management, recheck exams, and follow-up care with direct surgeon access. The exact cost may vary depending on the complexity and whether one or both knees are affected. We accept major credit cards, pet insurance, and CareCredit financing.

Is surgery really necessary if my dog’s kneecap only pops out occasionally?

Even occasional skipping means the patella is luxating and causing cartilage damage. The frequency typically increases over time, and the joint damage accumulates. Surgery now prevents years of progressive arthritis and worsening deformity. At your consultation, Dr. Davis will assess the grade and help you understand whether surgery prevents bigger problems later, or if monitoring is appropriate for your specific dog.

Does my dog need both knees done at once?

Many dogs have patellar luxation in both knees. Whether to do both at once or stage them depends on the severity, your dog’s size, and your ability to manage recovery. Dr. Davis will recommend the best approach for your dog’s specific situation.

How long before my dog can walk normally after surgery?

Most dogs are walking comfortably on the leg within 2-4 weeks, though bone healing takes 8-12 weeks. You’ll notice gradual improvement throughout recovery. By 10-12 weeks, most dogs are moving normally without any sign of their previous skipping or lameness.

Will the luxation come back after surgery?

When surgery is performed correctly by an experienced surgeon and owners follow post-op restrictions, recurrence is uncommon. Proper post-op rest is essential for healing and long-term success—this is the single biggest factor in preventing relapse.

What happens if I don’t do surgery?

The luxation will typically worsen over time. Cartilage damage accumulates with each episode, leading to painful arthritis even in young dogs. The bone deformity often progresses, making surgery more complex if you wait. Many dogs also develop ACL tears (called CCL tears in dogs) because the abnormal knee mechanics put stress on other structures. Early surgical correction prevents these long-term complications.

What if I can’t afford surgery?

Patellar luxation surgery is an investment in your dog’s long-term mobility and joint health. We offer CareCredit financing with payment plans, and many pet insurance policies cover patellar luxation repair if it’s not pre-existing. If cost is a concern, talk to Dr. Davis openly about it. We’ll work with you to find a solution.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your $200 consultation with your surgeon includes a complete orthopedic exam, assessment of patellar stability, grading of the luxation, and honest guidance about whether surgery will improve your dog’s quality of life.

You’ll leave with a clear recommendation, transparent pricing, and a realistic understanding of what to expect from surgery and recovery.