Putnam Scoring Method

[Miss B]

Does anyone know much about this method, or have links to any good information?

[Rappie]

Does anyone know much about this method, or have links to any good information?

As far as I am aware this is the standard Grade 0-4 system.

Very simply:

Grade 0 = normal

Grade 1 = luxates when leg extended and pressure applied to patella,

Grade 2 = patella mostly lies in normal position but will luxate when leg is flexed

Grade 3 = mostly luxated but can be returned to normal position

Grade 4 = patellas remain in luxated position.

[Miss B]

Hi Rappie,

I understand the 0-4 scoring system but apparently there is a specific method for testing also??

Quote from a UK website:

To ensure a consistent approach is used the patellas should be X-rayed and the test carried out under sedation or anaesthetic using the Putnam (1968) testing and scoring method.

So far I can only find references to this testing method on UK breed sites.

There is a score sheet which can be viewed here: http://www.english-toy-terrier.co.uk/Vet...0Form%20(2).doc

It looks to be more like the way hip scores are done, rather than grading the patellas by physical exam only.

[Rappie]

Hi Rappie,

I understand the 0-4 scoring system but apparently there is a specific method for testing also??

I think the 0-4 system IS the Putnam system. I'll see if I can track down one of the original articles to make sure. Xraying would confirm whether medial patella luxation is present but also would allow assessment of any arthritic changes or conformational defects that may be responsible for the luxation.

[Miss B]

This is the bit that I'm interested in:

The above dog was X-Rayed and scored for Patella Luxation using the Putnam ‘68 scoring system.

The stifle joints have been manipulated both whilst conscious and whilst under sedation, and were found to be ............................................................

.......................(stable/unstable/other?)

The X-Ray shows the Trochlea Grove to be …………........................................................

...........

There is/ is not evidence of abnormality within the stifle joint/trochlea groove.*

The dog’s movement would be described as normal/abnormal and sound/unsound.*

Any other relevant observations

SCORE: Left __ (range 0-4) Right __ (range 0-4)

I've never seen a score sheet like this before.