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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.
 
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.
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===Hock Joint===
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===Tarsal Joint (Hock)===
 
[[Category:Horse Anatomy]]
 
[[Category:Horse Anatomy]]
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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).
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====Tarsocrural Joint====
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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.
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====Proximal Intertarsal Joint===
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Proximally, there is articulation between the talus and calcaneus.  Distally there is articulation between the central and fourth tarsal bones.
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====Distal Intertarsal Joint====
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The medial and lateral (long) collateral ligaments arise from their respective malleoli on the tibia and terminate on the proximal ends of corresponding splints. Between these points they attach on some of the tarsal bones they cross. The long plantar ligament extends from calcaneus distally to metatarsal bones and is attached to vasious tarsal bones. The synovial membrane is fivided into 4 joint cavities. Tarsocrural joint capsule has dorsal and 2 plantar pouches, areas where fibrous capsule is weak and free to bilge when joint cavity distended by synovial fluid accumulatiob.
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