Surgical Management of Upward Fixation of Patella-A study of 178 Buffaloes

The study involved surgical management of upward fixation of patella in 178 buffaloes. The study revealed higher prevalence during winter months of November-February [47.19% (n=84)]. Heifers (30.91%) and primiparous buffaloes (32.58%) were more commonly involved. 83.14% (n=148) Animals were 1–5 years of age and the condition was comparatively less encountered in animals of less than 1 years and more than 5 years of age. In 42 (26.30%) of affected animals, symptoms were noticed in advanced stages of pregnancy (>7months). In 75.28% (n=134) of the cases, only one limb was involved. Closed method of medial patellar desmotomy was employed for treatment with success rate of 98 percent. Only seven of the unilateral cases, that were cured by surgical procedure on affected limb only, reported the problem with unaffected limb thereafter. 11 pairs of mother and daughters affected by the condition indicated towards genetic predisposition.