Surgical Management of Patella Luxation
2 Days of Practical, Hands-On Learning for Vets
Shallow sulci, high stakes
3rd - 4th October 2026
University of Queensland, Gatton Campus
CPD points: NSW: 25 All Other States: 16
Early Bird Special
Save $150 When You Register by 24th April 2026!
Your investment: $3,400 AUD (Normally $3,550 AUD)
Early Bird Ends 24th April 2026
Watch the Workshop Experience
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Is This Workshop For You?
If you’re a qualified vet and would like to be able to offer and confidently perform medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery, this hands-on weekend workshop is the place to get going. Complete beginners are welcome, as are those already performing basic fracture repairs and those who’d like to refine their MPL technique. The VetPrac way is – as always – practical at heart. We provide a supportive and capable atmosphere with access to highly experienced, approachable surgeons invested in helping you progress. Observe, ask questions, and personally practice your skills with extensive time on the tools. Ultimately, that’s what counts when you take your approach back to apply in your clinic.
You’ll build confidence in:
- Identifying the key factors that influence successful MPL correction
- Planning your surgery
- Correct radiographic positioning and pre-op radiographic assessment
- Assessing femoral varus and recognising concurrent issues
- Measuring tibial plateau angles
- Evaluating intra-articular structures
- Performing a tibial crest transposition (TCT)
- Carrying out a block recession sulcoplasty
- Placing tension bands and wires
- Lateral fascial imbrication
- Managing cases where MPL and CCL disease co-exist
- Using orthopaedic instruments
This is everything you need for kneecaps under one roof. From understanding why MPL happens, right through to deciding whether to bend or cut your pins, or understanding what a medial desmotomy is and when to consider deploying it.
No matter your starting point, the goal is the same: to help you leave with a stronger understanding of MPL correction, a more practiced approach, and the confidence to take your new skills back to your own operating theatre.
Why This Workshop is Different
Much More Than a Demo
This workshop is more than just token time on the tools. Slow down and work through the process meaningfully so the techniques feel more familiar and doable solo in clinic.
Fit for Daily Practice
If you want to start seeing this on the whiteboard, why not? GP practice isn’t a stop sign. The right knowledge and experience turns MPL correction from rumination into reality.
Less Dabbling, More Depth
Stay intentionally narrow. By doubling down on one focus, you’ll have more time to practise, tackle the tricky bits, make the calls, get real-time feedback and ask questions.
You’re Not in This Alone
Constant access to highly experienced surgeons who are generous with what they know about ortho (and the soft tissue that comes with it). Start with habits worth keeping.
Your Kind of People
A productive, sociable and down-to-earth atmosphere makes it easier to get involved, ask questions, network and truly enjoy while you learn. Training you’ll be glad you said yes to.
This Workshop Helps You With:
The Before...
Consider the whole patient; breed, age, radiography, comorbidities. Check the sulcus depth, assess femoral valgus, assess your tibial plateau angle accurately and know its implications. Evaluate the tibial shape and patella position, and what these mean for your patient, prognosis and approach.
...The During...
Get clarity on your radiographic plan by interfacing with real ‘breathing’ bones. Be guided in identifying key structures, marking and executing your approach and practising instrument
...Plus the Cruciates and the Cats.
You didn’t think we’d forgotten, did you? Sulcoplasty, parasaggital patellectomy, patella-fabella suture attempt +/- tibial crest transposition in feline patients.
Also covered is management of concurrent CCL disease, an all-too-familiar accoutrement.
Workshop Breakdown
What’s Included?
2 Full Days of Training with over 9 Hours of practical Lab Time
All Materials & Equipment Provided
CPD Certificate with 25 Points NSW, 16 Points all other states
A printed practical handbook and digital notes to review on your own time
Lunch, Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea
Need to Travel?
We’ll send you a recommended
accommodation list and provide the details you need ahead of time.
Your Educators
Dr Penny Tisdall
Qualifications:BSc(Vet) BVSc MVetClinStuds FANZCVS
Dr Penny Tisdall is a Fellow of the Australian and NZ college of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS) and registered specialist in small animal surgery. She has contributed to over 30 published papers on various aspects of surgery.
Penny has teaching experience from undergraduate surgery in the Adelaide DVM course and in postgraduate education to vets and nurses. She has played an active role in the ANZCVS in the surgery chapter examination committee.
Penny is the proud owner of 2 very badly behaved Curly Coated Retrievers and 2 Devon Rex cats,. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, oncologic and reconstructive surgery, neurosurgery and orthopaedics.
Dr Julian Lunn
Qualifications: BVSc, MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery and Small Animal Medicine), MVetClinStud (Neurology)
Julian has worked at Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS) in Qld and Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC) in NSW. He has also been a clinician and teacher at the University of Sydney, James Cook University and the University of Queensland.
He has memberships in both small animal medicine and small animal surgery and completed his surgical residency in 2007 with time at Murdoch University and Colorado State University. He also has a Masters of Veterinary Clinical Studies.
Julian has experience in all areas of surgery from cardiothoracic, oncology and vascular to orthopaedic, neurological and trauma. He is a passionate teacher and is keen to share real-world surgery with both undergraduate students and postgraduate veterinary surgeons.
Dr Elizabeth Hoffman
Qualifications: BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Queensland in 2012 and after gaining experience in rural mixed practice, she completed two small animal internships.
She obtained membership in small animal surgery with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2018. She has completed a small animal surgery residency at the Animal Referral Hospital in Brisbane and is currently working as a registrar in preparation for fellowship exams.
Elizabeth enjoys all areas of surgery with a special interest in neurologic procedures and fracture repair.
Daniel McDonald
Qualifications:BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
Daniel grew up on the Sunshine Coast and attended James Cook University in Townsville, where he graduated in 2013. He began an internship with North Coast Veterinary Specialist (now SASH) on the Sunshine Coast in 2019 and successfully completed his Residency in Small Animal Surgery in July 2024. Daniel has a keen interest in all aspects of surgery, with a particular focus on orthopaedic and minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopy and arthroscopy.
Payment Options
Early Bird Offer Ends In:
Secure Your Spot Before Tickets Are All Gone!
What Vets Are Saying
Hear It from Past Attendees:
– Dr Rob McMaster
– Dr Hayat Zailan
Don’t Miss Out!
Addressing Common Questions
"Is the Surgical Management of Patella Luxation Workshop worth the investment?”
Yes – for the right surgeon, absolutely.
If you’re seeing MPL cases in practice and have a hankering take these to theatre yourself, this workshop pays itself off rapidly. It doesn’t take many patella surgeries before the course fee starts to look like a very serious bargain. Competently keep more cases in-house, improve client relationships and even open up future revenue streams like rehabilitation services (check out Practical Canine Rehabilitation for more on this).
"I have barely any time to take off work. Why should I attend?"
Because this kind of learning is really rare to find any other way.
Unless you’re actively pursuing higher training in orthopaedics and/or soft tissue surgery, you’re very unlikely to experience this kind of focused skill building. With this workshop, you’ll benefit from access to highly skilled and experienced surgeons (and their invaluable guidance and feedback) all weekend, and enjoy generous time to work through tutorials followed right up by theatre-ready practice.
Here, time away from work is not lost time. It’s time invested in becoming more capable, more confident and hopefully with a new op on the weekly diary when you return.
"Will I actually be able to apply these skills in my practice?"
Yes – that’s exactly the point.
This isn’t designed as a forgettable whistlestop tour. If you learn by doing and value time on the tools spent getting intimately familiar with your surgical surroundings and new techniques, this is for you. Everything you do here is designed for learning, not short-term parroting that ends when the weekend does.
You’ll also leave with a clear take-home guide and notes, so you’re not actually solely relying on memory alone once you’re back in clinic. The idea is for this skillset to become as permanently ingrained as learning to ride a bike… or tie your surgical shoelaces.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Only 32 Places Available
Investment: $3,400 AUD (Early Bird Price)
Vets Earn 25 Points NSW, 16 Points All Other States
Ready to Take Your Skills to the Patellar Level? Secure your place today!
This workshop is designed for veterinarians ready to develop, refine, or solidify their approach to medial patellar luxation correction.
Your Questions Answered
Are group discounts available?
Yes. At the Surgical Management of Patella Luxation Workshop, we believe in learning together. When three or more veterinarians from the same clinic register under a single booking, you’ll automatically receive a 5% group discount at checkout when booking through our website.
Will I get CPD points and a CPD certificate?
Yes. Every participant in the Surgical Management of Patella Workshop will earn CPD points and receive a personalised CPD certificate. Certificates are emailed within seven days of the workshop, making it easy to update your professional records straight away.
What kind of learning materials are included?
At the Surgical Management of Patella Luxation Workshop, all participants receive comprehensive learning materials. You’ll get digital course notes for easy reference and a printed copy of the practical guide to support your hands-on training. These resources ensure you can revisit key techniques and tips long after the workshop ends.
What happens if I pay and then later can’t attend?
If you need to transfer or change your registration to another workshop, an administration fee of $50 applies. Cancellations made within 45 days of the workshop start date will incur a fee equal to 50% of the course investment. Please note that cancellations made within 7 days of the workshop commencement are non-refundable.
Can I pay in instalments, or do you offer payment plans?
Yes! At VetPrac we are pleased to offer payment plans for our online courses and workshops. We want to make it manageable for you to invest in your professional development.
For more information regarding our payment plans, please email [email protected].
What happens if the workshop is cancelled?
If VetPrac cancels the Surgical Management of Patella Luxation Workshop, your course fees will be refunded in full. Please note that VetPrac cannot be held responsible for any travel, accommodation, or other expenses you may have incurred.