Characterization of anatomic communications of the fetlock in cattle, using intra-articular latex injection and positive-contrast arthrography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency and sites of communication between the lateral and medial synovial sacs of the metatarsophalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints in cattle.


METHODS
188 limbs were obtained from 55 fresh bovine cadavers submitted for necropsy because of problems unrelated to the fetlocks.


METHODS
In each ox, lateral or medial synovial sacs of each fetlock were randomly assigned. Joints were injected with a mixture of latex and barium sulfate. Communication between 2 joints was determined by presence of latex and contrast material in a joint adjacent to the injected joint by examining frozen sections and use of positive-contrast arthrography.


RESULTS
Communication between the 2 synovial sacs existed in 186 of 188 (98.9%) specimens. The communication site between lateral and medial synovial sacs was located at the level of the proximal sesamoid bones, between the distal aspect of the interdigital band of the axial branch of the interosseus muscle and the metacarpal or metatarsal bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Although communication between the lateral and medial synovial sacs did not exist in 2 specimens, the fetlock in cattle can be treated as 1 compartment.
Desrochers
A
A
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA.
St-Jean
G
G
Cash
W C
WC
Hoskinson
J J
JJ
DeBowes
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D001175:Arthrography / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000662:veterinary; D007596:Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007840:Latex; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D007840:Latex