The Articulations 357 



The Radio-Ulnar-Carpal Articulation. Both the radius and 

 ulna may be displaced from their articulations with the upper row 

 of carpal bones, either singly or together. The capsular band unit- 

 ing the lower extremities of the two bones is ruptured in either case. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Dislocation of either of these arti- 

 culations deprives the animal of the use of the leg, and is attended 

 with a change in contour of the parts, a bulging taking place in 

 either an anterior or posterior direction. 



Treatment. This lesion is easily reducible but recurs if not 

 remedied by wiring the two bones together. 



The Carpal Articulations. Any bone in this joint may become 

 separated from the remainder. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The symptoms are local stiffness 

 and swelling with pronounced lameness and the joint may be bent 

 either inward or outward. 



Treatment. The prognosis is good, recovery taking place in 

 about three or four weeks, when the bones are replaced in the or- 

 dinary manner and bandaged. 



The Metacarpal Articulations. Luxations of these articula- 

 tions may occur at either their superior or inferior extremities. A 

 single bone may be displaced. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. In the case of a single bone the 

 symptoms are only slightly in evidence. In complete luxation of 

 the whole row the foot is raised from the ground and held ob- 

 liquely. 



Treatment is the same as already outlined. 



The Phalangeal Articulations. The digits are quite com- 

 monly put out of joint. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The animal limps and manifests 

 pain at manipulation. The affected joint is found to be abnormally 

 mobile. 



Treatment. Reduction is effected in the usual manner, and the 

 parts immobilized for some days. 



The Coxo-Femoral Articulation, Luxation of this joint oc- 

 curs not at all uncommonly. As a rule, the head of the femur is 

 displaced in a direction immediately above the acetabulum, but may 

 be forced into the foramen ovale. The displacement is more often 

 partial with slight damage to the capsular ligament than complete. 

 If complete, it is accompanied with rupture of both the capsular 

 ligament and the ligamentum teres. 



