Summary
Trochleoplasty is a fundamental component of surgical treatment for patients with
inadequate trochlear depth associated with patellar luxation. Traditional methods
of trochleoplasty include trochlear resection, chondroplasty and wedge recession trochleoplasty.
Each technique has its benefits and limitations. Rectangular recession trochleoplasty
(RRT) is a new technique that builds upon the strengths of its predecessors while
minimizing their limitations. Rectangular recession utilizes a rectangular osteochondral
autograft that is harvested from the trochlear groove and replaced into its recipient
bed. Unlike wedge recession, the autograft surfaces are compressed and buttressed
within the recipient bed. resulting in secure implantation of the autograft. Rectangular
recession achieves maximal preservation of hyaline articular cartilage while minimizing
exposure of abrasive subchondral bone. Rectangular recession can be performed on dogs
and cats as small as 3 kg and has been clinically effective in treating over 100 cases
of patellar luxation.
Trochleoplasty is an important surgical procedure for treatment of patellar luxation
in the dog and cat. The objective of any trochleoplasty technique is to achieve adequate
trochlear depth and width while optimizing preservation of hyaline articular cartilage.
Rectangular recession trochleoplasty (RRT) is a new technique that achieves adequate
trochlear width and depth utilizing a securely “press-fit” osteochondral autograft
that achieves maximal preservation of hyaline articular cartilage.
Keywords
Rectangular recession - trochleoplasty - patellar luxation - dog - cat
