Difference between revisions of "Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy"
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− | == | + | ==Thoracic Limb== |
===Shoulder Joint=== | ===Shoulder Joint=== | ||
− | The | + | |
− | + | The joint capsule attaches a very short distance from the periphery of the articular surfaces. The '''intertubercular (bicipital) bursa''' lies between the humeral tubercles, cushioning the '''bicipital tendon'''. The bursa and tendon are held in place by the '''transverse humeral retinaculum''', running between the greater and lesser tubercles of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|humerus]]. | |
===Elbow Joint=== | ===Elbow Joint=== | ||
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− | + | The joint capsule attaches to the articular surface of the condyle, the periphery of the olecranon fossa and the articular cartilage of the trochlear notch of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|ulna]]. It fuses with the collateral ligaments. Paired '''collateral ligaments''' attach the epicondyles to the tuberosities of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|radius]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|ulna]]. | |
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===Carpal Joint=== | ===Carpal Joint=== | ||
The carpal joint is a compound joint composed of: | The carpal joint is a compound joint composed of: | ||
− | :The '''antebrachiocarpal joint''' between the [[ | + | :The '''antebrachiocarpal joint''' between the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|radius/ulna]]and the proximal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|carpal bones]] |
− | :The '''middle carpal joint''' between the two rows of [[ | + | :The '''middle carpal joint''' between the two rows of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|carpal bones]] |
− | :The '''carpometacarpal joint''' between the distal [[ | + | :The '''carpometacarpal joint''' between the distal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|carpal bones]] and the proximal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpals]] |
− | The joint is a synovial joint, comprising a common outer fibrous capsule and three inner synovial pouches, one for each joint. | + | The joint is a synovial joint, comprising a common outer fibrous capsule and three inner synovial pouches, one for each joint. '''Collateral ligaments''' extend from the radius to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal bones]] on the medial and lateral aspect of the carpus. The '''carpal canal''' houses both the superficial and deep digital flexor tendon within a common synovial sheath. |
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===Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint=== | ===Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint=== | ||
− | The fetlock joint | + | The fetlock joint allows flexion and extension movements. This joint is associated with a pair of sesamoid bones on the palmar surface. Between the sesamoids in a groove lies articular cartilage which articulates with the sagittal ridge of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal III]]. The joint capsule runs between all bones in the joint and attaches to the articular cartilage of the sesamoids. It has an extensive pouch under the extensor tendon continuing a quarter the length up [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal III]]. The '''collateral ligaments''' bind the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal bone]] to the proximal phalanx, with a deep branch attaching to the sesamoid bone. The '''palmar/intersesamoidean ligament''' is a mass of fibrocartilage that embed the sesamoid bones. The palmar aspect of it forms a groove for the deep flexor tendon to run in. The '''collateral sesamoid ligaments''' connect the outer aspect of the sesamoids to the proximal phalanx and there is a distinct branch that attaches to [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal III]]. The '''distal sesamoid ligaments''' are a collection of ligaments that are very marked in the horse and connect the distal surface of the sesamoids to the palmar aspect of the phalanx. These ligaments include the '''short ligaments''', '''cruciate ligaments''', '''oblique ligament''', '''straight ligament''' and the '''palmer annular ligament'''. The '''short ligaments''' connect the axial base of the sesamoids to the lateral/medial aspect on the palmar margin of the proximal phalanx. These are the deepest of the ligaments. The '''cruciate ligaments''' are paired ligaments from the base of the sesamoids that diagonally cross to attach to the proximal phalanx. It lies superficial to the short ligaments. The '''oblique ligament''' is a triangular shaped ligament, the base of which attaches to the sesamoids and their interconnecting ligament and the point attaches to the rough palmar aspect of the proximal phalanx. It is superficial to the cruciates. The '''straight ligament''' proximally attaches like the oblique but attaches as a flat band to the edge of the complementary fibrocartilage of the proximal end of the middle phalanx. Finally, the '''palmar annular ligament''' wraps around the sesamoids, flexor tendons and their associated sheaths. |
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===Proximal Interphalangeal (Pastern) Joint=== | ===Proximal Interphalangeal (Pastern) Joint=== | ||
− | The pastern joint | + | The pastern joint allows flexion and extension movements. The palmar border of the middle phalanx has a complementary fibrocartilage that extends the proximal articular surface of the middle phalanx. It is sometimes called the middle scutum as it provides a gliding surface for the deep digital flexor. The joint capsule is simple and attaches by the articular margins of the two phalanges. The '''collateral ligaments''' connect the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the proximal end of the middle phalanx. They lie in a vertical direction rather than along the bone axis. The fibres of the '''collateral sesamoid ligaments''' of the distal interphalangeal joint run with it, attach to the middle phalanx and then continue on to their distal attachments. The '''palmar ligaments''' connect the palmar aspect of the distal half of the proximal phalanx to the complementary fibrocartilage of the middle phalanx. These restrict dorsiflexion of the joint. A '''proximal digital annular ligament''' wraps around the superficial surface of the flexor tendons and their sheaths at the level of the proximal phalanx. There is a distal one also exists that is attached to the proximal phalanx, it is superficially associated with the digital cushion and is connected to the ergot by the thin fibrous '''ligament of the ergot'''. |
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− | The '''collateral ligaments''' connect the distal end of the | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
===Distal Interphalangeal (Coffin) Joint=== | ===Distal Interphalangeal (Coffin) Joint=== | ||
− | The coffin joint | + | The coffin joint allows extension and slight flexion movements. The '''navicular bursa''' lies between the navicular bone and the deep flexor tendon. The joint capsule attaches to the articular periphery. There is a dorsal recess under the extensor tendons and a palmar one that runs to about half the height of the middle phalanx. It dips between the distal phalanx and sesamoid and bulges laterally where it is related to the collateral ligaments. The '''collateral ligaments''' connect the distal part of the middle phalanx to the sides of the proximal distal phalanx. The '''distal sesamoid ligaments''' connect the distal border of the navicular bone to the flexor surface of the distal phalanx. The '''collateral sesamoid ligaments''' are fibroelastic ligaments that attach to the proximal phalanx with the collateral ligaments of the pastern joint and insert to the proximal border of the navicular bone. The ungual/lateral cartilages have a series of ligaments going to the medial/lateral surfaces of the three phalanges and distal sesamoid. There is also a fibrous band connecting the inner surfaces of the cartilages by crossing the superficial aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon. |
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− | The '''collateral ligaments''' connect the distal part of the | ||
− | == | + | ==Pelvic Limb== |
====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Sacroiliac Joint|Sacroiliac Joint]]==== | ====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Sacroiliac Joint|Sacroiliac Joint]]==== | ||
− | In horses the short branch of the '''dorsal sacroiliac ligaments''' connects the sacral tuberosity to the spinous processes of the sacrum. The '''sacrotuberous ligament''' is a broad sheet-like ligament, which extends between the transverse processes of the first caudal vertebrae and the dorsal border of | + | In horses the short branch of the '''dorsal sacroiliac ligaments''' connects the sacral tuberosity to the spinous processes of the sacrum. The '''sacrotuberous ligament''' is a broad sheet-like ligament, which extends between the transverse processes of the first caudal vertebrae and the dorsal border of ischium and ilium. In this ligament are the '''lesser and greater ischiatic foramen''', these are present to allow for blood vessels, nerves and tendons. |
− | ====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology# | + | ====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Coxafemoral|Coxafemoral/Hip Joint]]==== |
− | The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to the dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its | + | The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to the dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its femoral head, intra-articular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. The '''ligament of the femoral head''' extends from the acetabulum to the fovea on the femoral head. Unlike other species, the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the '''accessory ligament'''. The accessory ligament arises from the tendon of insertion of the ''rectus abdominis'' muscle and to a lesser extent ''external abdominal oblique'' muscle as part of the ''prepubic tendon'' and inserts on the fovea. Both ligaments pass through '''acetabular notch'''. |
===[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Stifle Joint|Stifle Joint]]=== | ===[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Stifle Joint|Stifle Joint]]=== | ||
====Femorotibial Joint==== | ====Femorotibial Joint==== | ||
− | The femorotibial joint is formed by the | + | The femorotibial joint is formed by the femur and tibia. It is divided by '''menisci''' into proximal and distal segments. These communicate through open centres of the menisci where the condyles of the femur and tibia are in contact. The synovial membrane of the joint capsule, which is complete only in the horse, further divides the joint into medial and lateral compartments. The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers, reducing concussion on the joint as well as incongruency of the articular surfaces. Menisci are attached at the outer margins to the fibrous joint capsule and anchored at their ends mainly on the tibia by the '''cranial and caudal ligaments''', but the lateral meniscus has an additional ligament attaching it to the distal femur. The '''cruciate ligaments''' in the centre of the joint are important for stifle stability. |
====Femoropatellar Joint==== | ====Femoropatellar Joint==== | ||
− | The femoropatellar joint is formed by the | + | The femoropatellar joint is formed by the femur and patella. The patella is anchored to the femur by the medial and lateral '''femoropatellar ligaments''' and to the tibia by three patellar ligaments: |
*'''Middle Patellar Ligament''' | *'''Middle Patellar Ligament''' | ||
− | The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the | + | The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the '''[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]''' apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the tibial tuberosity and one between the proximal part of the ligament and the patella apex. It is palpable just proximal to the tibial plateau. |
*'''Lateral Patellar Ligament''' | *'''Lateral Patellar Ligament''' | ||
− | The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] and to the lateral aspect of the | + | The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the '''[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]''' and to the lateral aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This arrangement is crucial for the equine 'stay' apparatus and provides a '''locking ability'''. This ligament contains tendinous tissue from the ''biceps femoris'' and ''tensor fasciae latae'' muscles. |
*'''Medial Patellar Ligament''' | *'''Medial Patellar Ligament''' | ||
− | The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the | + | The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This ligament contains tendinous elements of the ''sartorius'' and ''gracilis'' muscles. |
− | Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the | + | Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the patella to be hooked over the trochlea of the femur due to the binding loop formed by the patella, middle and medial patellar ligaments. The '''femeropatellar joint''' capsule sometimes communicates with the '''lateral femerotibial''' cavity and usually with the '''medial'''. No communication exists between the femorotibial joints. |
===Tibiofibular Joint=== | ===Tibiofibular Joint=== | ||
− | In the horse, this joint only exists proximally because the distal end of the | + | In the horse, this joint only exists proximally because the distal end of the fibula is fused to the tibia to form the lateral malleolus. |
===Tarsal Joint (Hock)=== | ===Tarsal Joint (Hock)=== | ||
+ | [[Category:Horse Anatomy]] | ||
The hock has four levels of articulation: tarsocrural joint, proximal intertarsal joint, distal intertarsal joint and tarsometatarsal joint. In the horse, the distal three permit almost no movement (high impact, low motion joint). | The hock has four levels of articulation: tarsocrural joint, proximal intertarsal joint, distal intertarsal joint and tarsometatarsal joint. In the horse, the distal three permit almost no movement (high impact, low motion joint). | ||
====Tarsocrural Joint==== | ====Tarsocrural Joint==== | ||
− | In the horse, this joint is formed between the | + | In the horse, this joint is formed between the tibia and talus only, since the distal end of the fibula is incorporated in the lateral malleolus of the tibia. There is communication with the proximal intertarsal joint. |
====Proximal Intertarsal Joint==== | ====Proximal Intertarsal Joint==== | ||
− | Proximally, there is articulation between the | + | Proximally, there is articulation between the talus and calcaneus. Distally there is articulation between the central and fourth tarsal bones. |
====Distal Intertarsal Joint==== | ====Distal Intertarsal Joint==== | ||
− | Articulation between the central | + | Articulation between the central tarsal bone and the numbered tarsal bones. |
====Tarsometatarsal Joint==== | ====Tarsometatarsal Joint==== | ||
− | Articulation between the small, numbered | + | Articulation between the small, numbered tarsal bones and the metatarsals. |
====Ligaments of the Tarsus==== | ====Ligaments of the Tarsus==== | ||
*'''Collateral ligaments''': | *'''Collateral ligaments''': | ||
− | **''Long lateral collateral'': Arises from the lateral maleolus of the | + | **''Long lateral collateral'': Arises from the lateral maleolus of the tibia and terminates on the proximal end of metatarsal IV (lateral splint). Between these points it attaches to the lateral tarsal bones. |
− | **''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long lateral collateral. It arises from the lateral maleolus of the | + | **''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long lateral collateral. It arises from the lateral maleolus of the tibia and attaches via two branches, one to the calcaneus and one to the talus. |
− | **''Long medial collateral'': Arises from the medial malleolus and terminates on the proximal end of | + | **''Long medial collateral'': Arises from the medial malleolus and terminates on the proximal end of metatarsal II (medial splint). Between these points it attaches to the medial tarsal bones. |
− | **''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long medial collateral. It arises from the medial malleolus and attaches via two branches, one on the | + | **''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long medial collateral. It arises from the medial malleolus and attaches via two branches, one on the calcaneus and one on the talus. |
− | *'''Long plantar ligament''': Extends on the plantar aspect of the hock from the calcaneal tuberosity distally to the proximal end of the third and fourth | + | *'''Long plantar ligament''': Extends on the plantar aspect of the hock from the calcaneal tuberosity distally to the proximal end of the third and fourth metatarsal bones and also attaches to the central and fourth tarsal bones. |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
*Budras, K. Sack, W.O., Anatomy of the Horse, 6th Edition (2012), Schlutersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG | *Budras, K. Sack, W.O., Anatomy of the Horse, 6th Edition (2012), Schlutersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG | ||
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Revision as of 17:32, 17 October 2012
This article is still under construction. |
Thoracic Limb
Shoulder Joint
The joint capsule attaches a very short distance from the periphery of the articular surfaces. The intertubercular (bicipital) bursa lies between the humeral tubercles, cushioning the bicipital tendon. The bursa and tendon are held in place by the transverse humeral retinaculum, running between the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus.
Elbow Joint
The joint capsule attaches to the articular surface of the condyle, the periphery of the olecranon fossa and the articular cartilage of the trochlear notch of the ulna. It fuses with the collateral ligaments. Paired collateral ligaments attach the epicondyles to the tuberosities of the radius and ulna.
Carpal Joint
The carpal joint is a compound joint composed of:
- The antebrachiocarpal joint between the radius/ulnaand the proximal carpal bones
- The middle carpal joint between the two rows of carpal bones
- The carpometacarpal joint between the distal carpal bones and the proximal metacarpals
The joint is a synovial joint, comprising a common outer fibrous capsule and three inner synovial pouches, one for each joint. Collateral ligaments extend from the radius to the metacarpal bones on the medial and lateral aspect of the carpus. The carpal canal houses both the superficial and deep digital flexor tendon within a common synovial sheath.
Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint
The fetlock joint allows flexion and extension movements. This joint is associated with a pair of sesamoid bones on the palmar surface. Between the sesamoids in a groove lies articular cartilage which articulates with the sagittal ridge of metacarpal III. The joint capsule runs between all bones in the joint and attaches to the articular cartilage of the sesamoids. It has an extensive pouch under the extensor tendon continuing a quarter the length up metacarpal III. The collateral ligaments bind the metacarpal bone to the proximal phalanx, with a deep branch attaching to the sesamoid bone. The palmar/intersesamoidean ligament is a mass of fibrocartilage that embed the sesamoid bones. The palmar aspect of it forms a groove for the deep flexor tendon to run in. The collateral sesamoid ligaments connect the outer aspect of the sesamoids to the proximal phalanx and there is a distinct branch that attaches to metacarpal III. The distal sesamoid ligaments are a collection of ligaments that are very marked in the horse and connect the distal surface of the sesamoids to the palmar aspect of the phalanx. These ligaments include the short ligaments, cruciate ligaments, oblique ligament, straight ligament and the palmer annular ligament. The short ligaments connect the axial base of the sesamoids to the lateral/medial aspect on the palmar margin of the proximal phalanx. These are the deepest of the ligaments. The cruciate ligaments are paired ligaments from the base of the sesamoids that diagonally cross to attach to the proximal phalanx. It lies superficial to the short ligaments. The oblique ligament is a triangular shaped ligament, the base of which attaches to the sesamoids and their interconnecting ligament and the point attaches to the rough palmar aspect of the proximal phalanx. It is superficial to the cruciates. The straight ligament proximally attaches like the oblique but attaches as a flat band to the edge of the complementary fibrocartilage of the proximal end of the middle phalanx. Finally, the palmar annular ligament wraps around the sesamoids, flexor tendons and their associated sheaths.
Proximal Interphalangeal (Pastern) Joint
The pastern joint allows flexion and extension movements. The palmar border of the middle phalanx has a complementary fibrocartilage that extends the proximal articular surface of the middle phalanx. It is sometimes called the middle scutum as it provides a gliding surface for the deep digital flexor. The joint capsule is simple and attaches by the articular margins of the two phalanges. The collateral ligaments connect the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the proximal end of the middle phalanx. They lie in a vertical direction rather than along the bone axis. The fibres of the collateral sesamoid ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint run with it, attach to the middle phalanx and then continue on to their distal attachments. The palmar ligaments connect the palmar aspect of the distal half of the proximal phalanx to the complementary fibrocartilage of the middle phalanx. These restrict dorsiflexion of the joint. A proximal digital annular ligament wraps around the superficial surface of the flexor tendons and their sheaths at the level of the proximal phalanx. There is a distal one also exists that is attached to the proximal phalanx, it is superficially associated with the digital cushion and is connected to the ergot by the thin fibrous ligament of the ergot.
Distal Interphalangeal (Coffin) Joint
The coffin joint allows extension and slight flexion movements. The navicular bursa lies between the navicular bone and the deep flexor tendon. The joint capsule attaches to the articular periphery. There is a dorsal recess under the extensor tendons and a palmar one that runs to about half the height of the middle phalanx. It dips between the distal phalanx and sesamoid and bulges laterally where it is related to the collateral ligaments. The collateral ligaments connect the distal part of the middle phalanx to the sides of the proximal distal phalanx. The distal sesamoid ligaments connect the distal border of the navicular bone to the flexor surface of the distal phalanx. The collateral sesamoid ligaments are fibroelastic ligaments that attach to the proximal phalanx with the collateral ligaments of the pastern joint and insert to the proximal border of the navicular bone. The ungual/lateral cartilages have a series of ligaments going to the medial/lateral surfaces of the three phalanges and distal sesamoid. There is also a fibrous band connecting the inner surfaces of the cartilages by crossing the superficial aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon.
Pelvic Limb
Sacroiliac Joint
In horses the short branch of the dorsal sacroiliac ligaments connects the sacral tuberosity to the spinous processes of the sacrum. The sacrotuberous ligament is a broad sheet-like ligament, which extends between the transverse processes of the first caudal vertebrae and the dorsal border of ischium and ilium. In this ligament are the lesser and greater ischiatic foramen, these are present to allow for blood vessels, nerves and tendons.
Coxafemoral/Hip Joint
The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to the dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its femoral head, intra-articular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. The ligament of the femoral head extends from the acetabulum to the fovea on the femoral head. Unlike other species, the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the accessory ligament. The accessory ligament arises from the tendon of insertion of the rectus abdominis muscle and to a lesser extent external abdominal oblique muscle as part of the prepubic tendon and inserts on the fovea. Both ligaments pass through acetabular notch.
Stifle Joint
Femorotibial Joint
The femorotibial joint is formed by the femur and tibia. It is divided by menisci into proximal and distal segments. These communicate through open centres of the menisci where the condyles of the femur and tibia are in contact. The synovial membrane of the joint capsule, which is complete only in the horse, further divides the joint into medial and lateral compartments. The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers, reducing concussion on the joint as well as incongruency of the articular surfaces. Menisci are attached at the outer margins to the fibrous joint capsule and anchored at their ends mainly on the tibia by the cranial and caudal ligaments, but the lateral meniscus has an additional ligament attaching it to the distal femur. The cruciate ligaments in the centre of the joint are important for stifle stability.
Femoropatellar Joint
The femoropatellar joint is formed by the femur and patella. The patella is anchored to the femur by the medial and lateral femoropatellar ligaments and to the tibia by three patellar ligaments:
- Middle Patellar Ligament
The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the patella apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the tibial tuberosity and one between the proximal part of the ligament and the patella apex. It is palpable just proximal to the tibial plateau.
- Lateral Patellar Ligament
The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the patella and to the lateral aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This arrangement is crucial for the equine 'stay' apparatus and provides a locking ability. This ligament contains tendinous tissue from the biceps femoris and tensor fasciae latae muscles.
- Medial Patellar Ligament
The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This ligament contains tendinous elements of the sartorius and gracilis muscles.
Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the patella to be hooked over the trochlea of the femur due to the binding loop formed by the patella, middle and medial patellar ligaments. The femeropatellar joint capsule sometimes communicates with the lateral femerotibial cavity and usually with the medial. No communication exists between the femorotibial joints.
Tibiofibular Joint
In the horse, this joint only exists proximally because the distal end of the fibula is fused to the tibia to form the lateral malleolus.
Tarsal Joint (Hock)
The hock has four levels of articulation: tarsocrural joint, proximal intertarsal joint, distal intertarsal joint and tarsometatarsal joint. In the horse, the distal three permit almost no movement (high impact, low motion joint).
Tarsocrural Joint
In the horse, this joint is formed between the tibia and talus only, since the distal end of the fibula is incorporated in the lateral malleolus of the tibia. There is communication with the proximal intertarsal joint.
Proximal Intertarsal Joint
Proximally, there is articulation between the talus and calcaneus. Distally there is articulation between the central and fourth tarsal bones.
Distal Intertarsal Joint
Articulation between the central tarsal bone and the numbered tarsal bones.
Tarsometatarsal Joint
Articulation between the small, numbered tarsal bones and the metatarsals.
Ligaments of the Tarsus
- Collateral ligaments:
- Long lateral collateral: Arises from the lateral maleolus of the tibia and terminates on the proximal end of metatarsal IV (lateral splint). Between these points it attaches to the lateral tarsal bones.
- Short lateral collateral: Deep to the long lateral collateral. It arises from the lateral maleolus of the tibia and attaches via two branches, one to the calcaneus and one to the talus.
- Long medial collateral: Arises from the medial malleolus and terminates on the proximal end of metatarsal II (medial splint). Between these points it attaches to the medial tarsal bones.
- Short lateral collateral: Deep to the long medial collateral. It arises from the medial malleolus and attaches via two branches, one on the calcaneus and one on the talus.
- Long plantar ligament: Extends on the plantar aspect of the hock from the calcaneal tuberosity distally to the proximal end of the third and fourth metatarsal bones and also attaches to the central and fourth tarsal bones.
References
- Budras, K. Sack, W.O., Anatomy of the Horse, 6th Edition (2012), Schlutersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG