DISEASES OP ABTICULATIONS 213^ 



distant part is struck and tlie force of the blow transmitted to- 

 the epiphyseal ends of the bones. The latter represents an in- 

 direct contusion. 



What a/rticular changes take place in contusions of joints f 



In direct contusion the capsular ligament and periarticu- 

 lar tissues are mainly injured, while in the indirect contusiou 

 the articulating bony ends, by striking against each other, 

 compress and injure their hyaline cartilage, and even th& 

 bones themselves may fracture as the result of the blow. 



What are the symptoms of articular contusion ? 



As a rule, the hemorrhage into the joint cavity in contu- 

 sion is considerable; as a result of which a fluctuating swelling 

 about the joint appears; otherwise the symptoms are those of 

 a distortion only ; the phenomena are all of a milder type. 



How do articular contusions terminate f 



As a rule, favorably. Occasionally a chronic serous: 

 arthritis — that is, a gall — remains behind. Of course contu- 

 sions complicated with fractures demand an unfavorable= 

 prognosis, at least in the larger animals. 



Outline the treatment of contused articulations. 



In the earliest stages cold and pressure to prevent further- 

 hemorrhage into the joint and surrounding tissues ; later, 

 moist heat and compression ; generally speaking, a blister is- 

 the most reliable and least troublesome treatment. ^ 



AxLchylosis. 



What is articular anchylosis ? 

 Destroyed joint mobility. 



