Surgical diseases of the feline stifle joint.

Traumatic stifle injuries commonly cause pain and lameness in cats. In many cases, the ligamentous support structures of the joint are damaged, causing instability, pain, and, eventually, osteoarthritis. This article reviews common surgically treated diseases of the feline stifle, including cruciate ligament rupture, patellar luxation, collateral ligament injury, stifle dislocation, and articular fractures. The clinical signs, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and prognosis for each injury are discussed.