The femorotibial joint is formed by the femur and tibia. It is divided by '''menisci''' into upper and lower segments. These communicate through open centres of the menisci where the condyles of the femur and tibia are in contact. The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers, reducing concussion on the joint as well as incongruency of the articular surfaces. They are attached at the outer margins to the fibrous joint capsule and anchored at their ends mainly on the tibia, but also to the femur by one ligament. The joint is divided into medial and lateral sacs;both of which may communicate with the femoropatellar joint. The '''cruciate ligaments''' in the centre of the joint are important for stifle stability.
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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.