BROKEN KNEES. 367 



concussion is thns spread ovei' tlie whole of them, shared by the ndiole of 

 them, and, by the pecuharity of their connection, i-endered harmless. 



These six distinct bones, nnited to each other by numerous and powerful 

 ligaments, will also afford a far stronger joint than the apposition of any 

 two bones, however perfect and strong might be the capsular ligament, or 

 by whatever other ligaments it might be strengthened. In addition to the 

 connection between the individiial bones, there are three capsular liga- 

 ments, one extending from the radius to the first row of metacarpal bones, 

 the second from the first to the second row, and the third from the second 

 row to the metacarpal bones ; and the result of the whole is, that the 

 hardest work and the severest accidents produce little deformity, and no 

 dislocation in the knee ; nor do the shocks and jars of many a year cause 

 inflammation ov disease. It is an undeniable fact that such is the perfect 

 construction of this joint, and to so great a degree does it lessen concus- 

 sion, that the injuries resulting from hard work are, almost without an excep- 

 tion, found below the knee, which seems to escape the injuiies of the hock. 

 There is a remarkable difference in the effects of work on the knee and 

 the hock. The knee is subject to enormous concussion, but to a certain 

 extent escapes those bony enlargements and inflammations of the ligaments, 

 like spavins. 



The seventh bone, the trapezium, so called from its quadrangular figure, 

 is placed (see M, p. 140) behind the others, and does not bear the shghtest 

 portion of the weight. It, however, is exceedingly useful. Two of the 

 flexor muscles proceed from the bone of the arm, and are inserted into it; 

 and, being- thus thrown off" the limb, have a less obhque dii^ection given 

 to them, and, therefore, according to the principle of the lever, act with 

 considerably more power. It is also useful in another way. As the ten- 

 dons of the various muscles descend the limbs, they are tied down, as we 

 have described, by strong hgamentous bands : this is particularly the case 

 in the neighbourhood of the joints. The use of it is evident. The extensor 

 tendons, which lie principally on the front of the leg, are prevented from 

 starting and strengthened and assisted in their action ; but the flexor 

 tendons, which are at the back, would be liable to friction, and their motion 

 impeded, if they were bound down too tightly. This projecting bono 

 prevents the annular or ring-like ligament from pressing too closely on the 

 main flexor tendons of the foot ; and, while it leaves them room to play, 

 leaves room hkewise for a synovial sheath to surround them, supplying the 

 course of the tendons with a fluid that prevents much injurious friction. 

 The eighth bone, small in size, being not larger than a pea a little flattened, 

 is called the pisiform ; it is placed posteriorly at the inner and low^er part 

 of the knee. 



The knee should be broad. It should pi-esent a very considerable width, 

 compared ^vith the arm above, or the shank below. In proportion to the 

 breadth of the knee is the space for the attachment of muscles, and for the 

 accumulation of ligamentous expansions and bands. In proportion to the 

 breadth of the knee there will be more strength ; and likewise the direction 

 of some muscles will be less oblique, and the course of others mil be more 

 removed from the centre of motion, in either of which cases much power 

 will be gained. 



BROKEN KNEES. 

 The treatment of bi'oken knees is a subject of considerable importance, 

 for many horses are sadly blemished, and others are destroyed, by wounds 

 in the knee-joint. The horse when falling, naturally throws liis knees 

 forward ; they receive all his weight and are sometimes veiy extensively 

 lacerated. The first thing to be done is. by very careful washing with 



