Objective

To repair the patellar luxation in dogs by using a U-shape Kwire as an artificial trochlear ridge.

Materials & Methods

The pilot study was done in 6 normal laboratory dogs having their medial trochlear ridges excised to create the same finding as those found in patients with patellar luxation. The excised ridge was replaced by a U-shape K-wire. After 16 weeks observation revealing normal walking and weight bearing of all dogs, the u-shape K-wires were applied in 11 stifles of 10 dogs suffering from grade I to II medial patellar luxation presented to the Small Animal Hospital, Chulalongkorn University during August 2001 and November 2001.

Result

Good result was shown in 7 of 11 operated stifles. Normal walking and weight bearing were observed at postoperative weeks. Recurrence of medial patellar luxation was found in 4 stifles.

Conclusion

Canine patellar luxation can be repaired by using a U-shape K-wire as an artificial trochlear ridge.