Most surgical conditions of the feline stifle joint are caused by ligament injuries. Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is the most commonly encountered surgical condition of the stifle joint. Stifle joint disruption or luxation is also common, and is seen more frequently in cats than in dogs. Isolated ruptures of the caudal cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament occur rarely.

Other differential diagnoses to be considered in a cat with a stifle joint problem include articular fractures, patellar luxation, patellar fractures, meniscal calcification, degenerative joint disease, osteochondrosis, and patellar tendon injury. Degenerative joint disease is mostly found in older cats, and may be secondary to cranial cruciate ligament tears or other injuries. Patellar fractures can occur spontaneously and cause an acute lameness. Diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent stifle joint disorders are described in the following sections.