JOINT DISEASES 251 



Joint diseases. — Inflammation of the synovial membrane often 

 produces a great flow of liquid and a painful distention of the 

 joint. This often occurs in rheumatism. Again, waste matter 

 often accumulates in the synovial membranes and cartilage, and 

 results in another painful disease known as gout. 



Sometimes bacteria enter the joint and produce a discharge 

 of yellow matter with painful swelling. Such a case is that known 

 as tuberculosis of the joints. 



If the deposit of lime matter is too great it often accumulates 

 in the joint and fuses the ends of the bones together, making 

 them rigid and the joint immovable. Such a disease is called 

 ankylosis of the joints. 



