Veterinary Gross Anatomy

HIP JOINT

Ox

The coxo-femoral articulation is an enarthrosis formed between the acetabulum of os coxae and the head of the femur.

• Ligaments
  • Capsular ligament. 
  • Cotyloid ligament is a marginal cartilage, which deepens the acetabulum. 
  • That part of cotyloid ligament stretches across the cotyloid notch converting it into a foramen for the passage of structures and out of the joint is the transverse acetabular ligament. 
  • Round ligament is attached to the lateral lip of acetabular notch and to the fovea capitis, on the head of femur.
• Motion
  • Gliding, circumduction, adduction and abduction are possible, extension and flexion are most marked.

Horse

• The cotyloid ligament is narrower.
• There is an additional ligament, the accessory or pubic femoral ligament which arises from the prepubic tendon, passes outwards and upwards and then backwards lodged in the pubic groove, the acetabular notch and is inserted to the fovea capitis behind the round ligament. This ligament is peculiar to solipeds and it prevents abduction and limits side-kicking. The absence of the ligament in ruminants permits free abduction and this is the reason why ruminants can kick side ways, this movement being known as ‘cow kick’.

Dog

• Resembles that of the Ox.