SPRAINS. 515 
Although the luxation is curable, it is one which ought not to be 
treated. 
VIT.—Femoro-Patellar Articulation. 
The very great majority of observations described under the name of 
luxations of the patella relates to the arrest of this bone upon the internal 
lips of the femoral trochlea, which acts there as a hook. However, it is 
not less established, by a certain number of facts, that the true luxation 
is met with. The special anatomical disposition of the stifle joint in 
bovines favors very much the appearance of this accident. The luxa- 
tion takes place specially outwards, but it is possible inwards, notwith- 
standing the elevation of the internal border of the femoral trochlea. 
’ Whether the result of a traumatism, of a slip backwards, of a violent 
contraction of the biceps cruralis or of a relaxation of the ligaments and 
muscles, it is always a serious accident. If reduction is easy, conten- 
tion is difficult. 
Having “a luxation inward of the left side ” to treat in a mare, Perar- 
naud had the leg flexed by an assistant; another steadied the stifle, 
while a third pushed the animal slightly to the right. The author, 
placed on the right side and resting his right hand on the lower end of 
the patella, succeeded easily in replacing the bone in position. Rest 
and a friction of ammoniacal liniment brought on recovery. In a simi- 
lar circumstance, Hullot, by pulling on the patella, was able to replace 
it easily, but the accident returned immediately. The cow was 
destroyed. : 
In general, in cases of luxation of the patella, as in the pseudo-luxa- 
tion, it is advised to place a rope in the coronet, to pass it over the 
withers, then carry it between the forelegs backwards and hold the 
‘leg in complete extension. By pressure over the stifle in contrary 
direction to the displacement, the reduction is easy. The animal is tied 
up high in his stall and a blister applied over the whole joint. 
With congenital luxation Bénard recommends a special means of 
contention. Take a band of linen, 12 or 15 centimeters wide, and long 
enough to go around the stifle region four times ; cut in its middle a 
window large enough to receive the patella ; at.ro or 15 centimeters 
from the opening make a vertical slit. Apply the band in such a way 
that the patella be lodged in the central window ; pass one of the ends 
of the band through the vertical slit ; pull hard ; bring both ends of the 
bandage forward, crossing each other above and below the patella, and 
secure them. ; ; 
Kept in position for eight or ten days, the immovable bandage will 
prevent all relapse. (See Pseudo-Lusxation of the Patella.) 
