304 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



superiorly to the condyles of the humerus, inferiorly to the trapezius, and 

 two small metacarpal bones; hut in these the scalpel develops nothing- 

 abnormal either in their muscular tissue or the tendinous structure by 

 which they are inserted and intersected, nor should we expect to find 

 anything, seeing their function is not interfered with. 



At the posterior part of the carpus numerous ligaments are found, wliich 

 are so arranged as to admit of extension only in a forward direction, while 

 the bones present tuberous projections for the attachment of other liga- 

 ments, the direction of which is from above downwards, o])li(|uely crossing- 

 each other (crucial). 



May it not be that these ligaments at the posterior part of the knee 

 become so deranged as to cause this aflection '. I am inclined to think such 

 is the case. I know of nothing else that would so effectually prevent the 

 full extension of the limb. It may be asked. What is the primary cause? 

 Does the scalpel develop any lesion of this ligamentous tissue? In the 

 specimens I have examined, all have shown the same peculiarities. I have 

 carefully removed the muscles, l)Oth the flexors and extensors, taking care 

 not to divide the annular ligaments, or, in fact, any of those proper to the 

 carpus; after which I have endeavoured to straighten the leg, but invari- 

 ably have failed. The abnormal position was persistent, and that to the 

 same extent as before the muscles were removed. Further, to test the 

 share the ligaments took in the flexure, I have made as many as four 

 transverse sections through them, each of which was followed by an 

 altered position of the bones, thus allowing- the limb to be easily placed 

 in a straight line, and of necessity leaving a considerable space between the 

 divided ends of each ligament. The question that now arises is, Can 

 anything be done to remedy this defect, either by the employment of the 

 knife, mechanical contrivance, or any other means? 



It would seem that the ligaments at the posterior parts of the carpus 

 are in the first instance slightly sprained, giving rise to a disjjosition on 

 the part of the animal to refrain from putting them on the stretch, as this, 

 no douljt, would produce a certain amount of pain. To avoid this when 

 standing the extensors are a little relaxed, thus allowing the knee to come 

 somewhat forwards, thereby removing the tension of the ligaments pos- 

 teriorly. This state of parts we observe only occasionally; for when the 

 animal is excited, or at work, the limbs resume their natural position. This 

 goes on for a tiiiie, but the cause alluded to being still in operation, the 

 al)normal ])osition becomes permanent; and the bursre which are situated at 

 the lateral, inclining to the posterior, part of the limb, a little above the 

 knee, are now more than usually filled, which, if the animal be a valuable 

 one, induces the owner to seek advice. This being determined on, it is 



