THE STIFLE JOINT 



235 



The femoro-tibial articulation (Articulatio femoro-tibialis) is formed between 

 the condyles of the femur, the proximal end of the tibia, and the interposed articular 

 menisci or semilunar cartilages. 



Articular Surfaces.— The cond>des of the femur are slightly oblique in direc- 

 tion. The articular surface of the lateral one is more strongly curved than that of 

 the medial one; the latter is confluent below with the medial ridge of the trochlea. 



Base of patella 



Medial ridge of trochlea 



Medial condyle of 

 fein iir 

 Medial femoro-tibial 

 ligament 

 Medial meniscus 



Medial condyle of 

 tibia 



Medial patellar liga- 

 ment 



Middle patellar liga- 

 ment 



Tuberosity of tibia 



Fig. 247. — Left Stifle Joint of Horse; Medial View. The Capsules are Removed. 



while the narrow ridge which connects the lateral condyle with the trochlea is 

 usually non-articular. The saddle-shaped surfaces of the condyles of the tibia are 

 not adapted to the femoral condyles, and are in contact with only a small part of 

 them. 



The menisci, lateral and medial (Meniscus lateralis, medialis),^ are two C- 

 shaped or crescentic plates of fibro-cartilage which produce congruence in the ar- 

 ticular surfaces. Each has a proximal concave surface adapted to the condyle of 

 the femur, and a distal surface which fits the corresponding condyle of the tibia. 

 '■ These are also commonly termed the semilunar cartilages, although they are not so shaped. 



