Special Veterinary Pathology

EXAMINATION OF BONES AND JOINTS

• Bones and joints are seldom examined unless the clinical history suggests lameness
• Also, by doing the examination, samples of bone marrow which often reveals some clues on the haemopoeitic status of the animal could be collected for laboratory examination
• While the hip joint is probably the most accessible joint usually examined during the dissection stage, other joints may be included should the need arises
• To open the stifle joint, skin the hind leg
• Cut the quadriceps femoris muscle at its tendon lying on the anterior surface of the hindlimb overlying the patella
• Slit the tissues at both sides of the patella and expose the distal articular surfaces of the femur and proximal part of the tibia
• The almost flattened fibrous structure located between the distal articular surface of the femur and proximal surface of the tibia are the menisci and ligaments of the joint capsule
• Dissect and examine these structures
• Examine the articular surfaces of the bones for evidence of erosion, cracks and fissures, and the presence of osteophytes
• Note also the character, colour, amount and consistency of synovial fluid
• including the synovial membranes
• Reactive synovial membranes usually present small papillae which are best recognised by submerging the specimen in water or saline.
• Following the examination of the stifle joint, remove the femur for evaluation of the bone and bone marrow
• Split the bone longitudinally into halves using a hack saw
• Examine the cut surface of the bone
• Note the amount of compact and spongy bone material