Quantitative Computed Tomographic Assessment of Feline Stifles Following Block Recession Trochleoplasty and Tibial Tuberosity Transposition for Medial Patellar Luxation

Authors
Luca Bresciani, Sorrel Langley-Hobbs, Josh Winter, Nicolas Barthelemy
Journal
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2026 Jan 23. doi: 10.1055/a-2780-8907.

This prospective study aimed to report femoro-patellar joint congruency assessed by computed tomography (CT) following block recession trochleoplasty (BRT) and tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) in cats with medial patellar luxation (MPL).

Six cats (median age 56 months; range 15-86 months) with 10 stifles with grades 2 (n = 5) and 3 (n = 5) MPL were enrolled. Standard BRT and TTT were performed. Standardized CT measurements of the trochlear groove (width, depth, and area) and patella (recessed area) were performed preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and at a 6-week re-examination (T6) with stifles in extended and flexed positions.

Mean femoral trochlear area and depth increased significantly between T0-T1, T1-T6, and T0-T6 (p < 0.05). Mean recessed patellar area significantly increased between all time points when the stifle was flexed and between T0-T1 and T0-T6 when the stifle was extended (p < 0.05). Mean trochlear width increased significantly between T0 and T6 (p < 0.05). No cats had MPL recurrence at the 6-week follow-up.

Block recession trochleoplasty combined with TTT improved patellar congruency immediately after surgery, with further improvement documented at the 6-week postoperative re-examination.