LA.MENESS IN THE FORE LEG 71 



force repose in restless subjects. Patients are best given a long 

 rest at pasture and returned to work for two or three months 

 after an acute attack of inflammation of the bursa, lest the con- 

 dition become chronic. When due consideration is given the 

 pathology of such cases, the frequent unsatisfactory termination 

 under the most careful treatment, is readily understood. 



Contusions of the Triceps Brachii. 

 ( Triceps Extensor Brachii : Caput Muscles. ) 



Anatomy. — The triceps brachii is the principal structure 

 which fills the space between the posterior border of the scapula 

 and the humerus. The several heads originate for the most part 

 on the border of the scapula, the deltoid tuberosity of the hu- 

 merus and the shaft of the humerus. Insertion of this large 

 muscular mass is effected by means of several tendons to the 

 olecranon. A synovial bursa is situated underneath the ten- 

 dinous attachment of the posterior portion of the triceps brachii 

 — the long head or caput magnum. 



The function of the triceps as a whole is to flex the shoulder 

 joint and extend the forearm. The triceps brachii is the chief 

 antagonist of the biceps brachii. 



Etiology and Occurrence. — Owing to the exposed position of 

 this structure, it is not infrequently contused, the result of falls, 

 kicks and other injuries. The function of the triceps is such 

 that it becomes strained upon rare occasions Avhen a horse resists 

 confinement of restraint in such manner that the parts are un- 

 duly tensed in contraction. This sort of resistance may stretch 

 the radial nerve or its branches in a way that paralysis results. 

 A condition known as "dropped elbow" is described by Henry 

 Taylor, F. R. C. V, S., in the Veterinary Record^ wherein a 

 two-year-old colt while resisting confinement was so injured. 



The triceps group because of its convenient location, consti- 

 tutes the site for hypodermic injection of drugs and biologic 

 agents, with some practitioners; and as a result, more or less 

 inflammation may occur. The author has observed and treated 

 some twenty cases where an intensely painful infectious inflam- 



lAmerican Veterinary Review, Vol. 35, P. 456. 



