CHAPTER YI. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE KNEE. 



1.— Injuries to the Anterior Surface of the Knee. 



History. — Lameneas following falls and kicks, etc. 



Inspection. — More or less swelling about the knee, 

 excoriation of the skin, or even deeper wounds. Swelling is 

 particularly severe when the sheaths of the extensor tendons 

 are opened. The knee is held as stiffly as possible during 

 motion. Weight may or may not be borne by the lame leg. 



Palpation. — If the sheaths of the tendons are opened, 

 synovia flows from the wound, often looking like jelly ; in 

 these cases severe pain and swelling are detected on 

 palpation. Passive flexion produces intense pain. In cases 

 where the articulation is opened, the finger or the probe can 

 be introduced into the joint (under proper aseptic pre- 

 cautions). Articular surfaces, denuded of their cartilage, 

 are rough to the touch. 



2. — Fracture of the Bones of the Knee. 



History. — Lameness following falls, external violence, etc. 



Inspection. — The leg, as in radial paralysis, is kept flexed 

 and is unable to support weight. Since this fracture is, as 

 a rule, the consequence of a fall, there may be excoriations 

 or wounds about the knee. 



Palpation.— li the pisiform bone is fractured, as is usually 

 the case, abnormal mobility and crepitation of that bone are 

 present. 



