THE KNEE JOINT 87 



pads applied to the fetlocks, boot pads with thickened portions covering 

 the heels, etc. 



THE KNEE JOINT. 



This is a composite joint, made up of three transverse and a number 

 of vertical articulations. 



One of the transverse joints is placed between the inferior extremity 

 of the radius and the upper articular surfaces of the superior row of carpal 

 bones with the exception of the pisiform. This joint is of the " hinge" 

 variety, admitting of flexion and extension only, and in it we have by far 

 the greatest range of movement found in the transverse carpal joints. 



The second transverse joint is placed between the two rows of carpal 

 bones, whilst the third is situate between the inferior articular surfaces 

 of the lower row of bones and the upper surfaces of the large and small 

 metacarpal bones. The last mentioned joint is of the arthrodial or 

 gliding variety, and of the transverse joints its degree of movement is the 

 least. This point is of great importance in estimating the seriousness of 

 exostoses or inflammatory fibrous growths, so commonly found at the 

 front of the knee, and it will be evident from what has been said that 

 these are by far of most consequence when they are placed in the 

 neighbourhood of the radio-carpal or uppermost transverse joint, since in 

 this situation they interfere to the greatest degree with the action of 

 the knee. 



The vertical joints are small, arthrodial articulations placed between 

 the bones of each row, and are of little surgical importance so tar as 

 flexion and extension of the knee are concerned. 



A number of small and comparatively unimportant ligaments unite 

 the bones of each row to one another. We have also a number of small 

 radio-carpal, intercarpal, and carpo-metacarpal ligaments. But the 

 ligaments of greatest surgical import are the common ligaments, of 

 which there are four, namely, anterior, posterior, external lateral, and 



