Usually a regular vet is not board certified. Maybe yours is, but to be sure about that, look for a certificate on his wall from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. The price they gave you sounds very cheap which is ok but could be a concern.
As for information about luxating patella, the ACVS site has quite a bit...also has a search engine for vet information.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
You might also find this of interest:
Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info
Good luck with the surgery! Please keep us posted!