OLD LAMENESSES. 
403 
them in some essential relations, and it differs more especially 
in the result, in the opinion of the author, and after many trials 
by some of our veterinary surgeons, and by myself. 
Before I describe this new operation, I will offer a few remarks 
on the different lesions which ordinarily produce lameness in 
the upper joints of the limbs, and which we designate by the 
name of sprain, luxation, dislocation, 8tc. 
The old lamenesses arising from lesions of the superior divi- 
sions of the extremities are oftenest to be attributed to diseases 
of the articulations, and more especially to distention of the 
capsular ligaments : at least, it is very probable that the lesions 
which we observe in these organs after the death of horses that 
have long been lame, are to be traced to violent extension of 
the ligaments ; the most ordinary occasional causes, which are 
violent efforts, and especially if the limbs, are in some unnatural 
or awkward position, also sufficiently prove this. 
The capsular ligament of the scapulo-humeral joint has lost 
its natural appearance ; it is diminished in thickness in various 
points, and it is increased in others ; the interfibrillary* cellular 
texture is indurated ; the tendinous fibres are no longer distinct ; 
the surrounding mass has assumed a variable colour — oftenest 
of a yellow tinge mixed with red points ; the neighbouring cellu- 
lar tissue is also sometimes indurated, and at other times osseous ; 
the fibres of this part are separated from each other, and the 
ligamentous tissue is more relaxed than in is natural state. This 
last state of the parts is much more rare than the former, which 
is undoubtedly the result of the chronic inflammation which 
followed the sprain. 
The synovial capsule, and the synovial fringes (glandules Tla- 
versii ) are always diseased — they are thickened, and of a mingled 
yellow, black, and redcolour. The synovia is of greater con- 
sistence than in its healthy state, and of a deeper colour. The 
articular cartilages are diminished in thickness — sometimes they 
are abraded in various places which have a yellow hue; the bony 
extremities are sometimes displaced and deformed, and false articu- 
lations may be seen. Finally, the muscular tissue which surrounds 
the articulation is often discoloured and emaciated, especially 
when the lameness is of long standing. These lesions are also, 
in certain cases, accompanied by extensions of the periosteum. 
The lesions of the hip-joints (V articulation coxo-femorale) 
are, for the most part, analogous to those already stated. The 
inter-articular ligaments are often less diseased than the capsular 
one, but they become of a deeper colour than in their healthy 
state. I have never observed any inflammation of the perios- 
* This word is not yet naturalized among us, but it is a very expressive one. 
