CHAPTEE XL 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OP THE 

 HIP JOINT. 



1.— Luxation of the Femur. 



History. — Lameness following slips, falls, unexpected 

 turning, and blows, etc. 



Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness is, as a rule, pro- 

 nouncecl, although supporting-leg lameness is present to 

 some extent. Depending on the kind of luxation, visible 

 changes iu the form of the joint are present, and the leg may 

 appear longer or shorter than usual. 



Palpation. — Either per rectum or over the region of the 

 hip joint one may encounter abnormal conditions ; passive 

 movements are exceedingly free in one direction, and limited 

 in another one, this differentiating a fracture from luxation 

 almost invariably. In fracture, passive movement is 

 generally unobstructed and accompanied by crepitations. 

 At times the friction of the end of the dislocated bone 

 against the soft parts, as muscles, tendons, etc., causes a soft 

 crepitation, easily distinguished from the harsh, grating 

 sound of a fracture. 



(rt) FORWARD LUXATION OF THE FEMUR. 



If weight is put upon the leg the trochanter becomes 

 plainly visible, stretching the skin which lies in folds over 

 the thigh and stifle, which is turned outwards; the leg 

 appears shortened, the femur is perpendicular. 



