INJURY OF THK FLEXOR BRACHII MUSCLE. 433 



extent. The tendon of origin of the biceps where it plays over the 

 bicipital groove of the humerus showed signs of inliammation, and was 

 discoloured upon the serous surface of the tendon, due doubtless to 

 extravasation of blood of long standing. The muscles in the immediate 

 neighbourhood of the articulation contained numerous small abscesses, 

 the pus being thick and partially inspissated. The most interesting 

 lesions, however, were found upon the articular surfaces of the scapula 

 and humerus. The articular cartilage of the glenoid cavity of the 

 former was eroded to an extraordinary degree, the lines of erosion being 

 broad and deep, and coloured deep red. In one place the removal of 

 cartilage and bone had progressed so far as to produce a canal leading 

 from the joint cavity into the cancellated tissue of the scapula. Upon 

 the head of the humerus necrosis was also to be seen, but not to the 

 same extent as upon the scapula ; but here also two perforations passed 

 through both articular cartilage and bone into the cancellated tissue of 

 the head. So far as could be ascertained from the pieces of scapula 

 and humerus submitted, there were no abscesses in the bone. In con- 

 nection with the scapula a new deposit of bone had occurred just above 

 the glenoid rim, this being enveloped for two thirds of its circumference 

 by newly formed bone of a spongy character, and somewhat of the 

 nature of a callus. (This may have been the first indication of an 

 ultimate synarthrosis.) 



Prof. Metiam's case, Veferiiiarian, 1898, p. 305. 



INJURY OF THE FLEXOR BRACHII MUSCLE. 



141. A nine-year-old chestnut mare, 15.2 hands high. 



History. — Had been fired over the flexor tendons of both fore-legs, 

 and turned out to grass. One morning the animal was seen " hopping " 

 about the field on three legs, showing excessive lameness of the near 

 fore, on which no weight could be borne. This limb was pendulous, 

 and the hind limbs were brought far under the body as shown in the 

 figure. It was afterwards learned that the animal, when being brought 

 from the field into a straw-yard with others, had to pass through a 

 narrow gateway, against the post of which it might have been violently 

 thrust. 



State on Examination. — There was no local heat, pain, or swelling, 

 but as the case appeared to have existed for some time, and such 

 symptoms might have disappeared, a stimulating application was made 

 to the muscles of the shoulder and to the shoulder-joint. Little benefit 

 resulted. A smart cantharides blister was then applied. The limb 

 continued to contract, the muscles of the shoulder to atrophy, and the 

 spine of the scapula to appear more prominent. As the animal seemed 

 to be steadily growing worse, it was shot eight weeks after being first 

 seen. 



Post-mortem Examination. — On removing the affected limb from the 

 trunk the muscles of the shoulder were found to be much atrophied, 

 and those on the inner aspect of the limb and corresponding outer 

 aspect of the chest wall bore large emphysematous patches. No sign 

 of fracture of any of the ribs could be detected. An extravasation five 



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