Gross Anatomy VMED 801 - Joints (Syndesmology)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering conventional and synovial joints, thoracic and pelvic limb joints, and common clinical considerations.

What are the two main classifications of joints?

Conventional joints (fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial) and unconventional joints (synsarcosis).

Fibrous joints are united by what tissue, and do they have a joint space?

Bones are united through dense fibrous connective tissue and there is no joint space.

Name three examples of fibrous joints.

Sutures (skull), Gomphosis (tooth in socket/root & alveolus), Syndesmoses (bones joined by ligaments, e.g., distal articulation between the radius & ulna).

Cartilaginous joints (Synchondroses) lack what feature, and what binds the bones?

No joint space; bones are united by cartilage.

List examples of cartilaginous joints as mentioned in the notes.

Diaphysis/epiphysis of juvenile long bones; bodies of vertebrae; pelvic symphysis.

What distinguishes synovial joints from the others?

A fluid-filled joint cavity intervenes between the articulating bones.

Name the types of synovial joints listed and give an example for each.

Hinge (elbow), Pivot (atlantoaxial and proximal radioulnar), Condylar (femorotibial), Ellipsoidal (radiocarpal), Saddle (interphalangeal), Spheroidal/ball-and-socket (hip, shoulder).

What are the main structural components of a synovial joint?

Joint cavity; articular cartilage; synovial membrane; fibrous capsule; ligaments (fibrous); joint pouch.

What is synsarcosis?

Articulation through muscles (girdle muscles), i.e., through the pectoral girdle.

What type of joint is the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?

A synovial/spheroidal joint.

What articulates at the glenohumeral joint?

The glenoid cavity of the scapula with the head of the humerus.

Name the ligaments and supportive structure associated with the shoulder joint.

Lateral and medial glenohumeral ligaments; transverse humeral retinaculum.

List the main clinical conditions of the shoulder joint mentioned.

Dislocation, luxation, subluxation; bicipital tenosynovitis; osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD); arthritis.

What is bicipital tenosynovitis?

Inflammation of the biceps tendon and the surrounding synovial sheath; the joint capsule envelops the tendon.

Define Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder.

Developmental disorder of endochondral ossification; erosion of articular cartilage of the humeral head; a piece may detach; affects young, fast-growing large breeds.

Describe the elbow joint arrangement in dogs.

Composite joint with two joints in one capsule: (A) hinge joints between the humerus and radius/ulna (humeroradial and humeroulnar) and (B) a proximal radioulnar pivot joint.

What does FMCP stand for and what is its clinical significance?

Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process of the Ulna; developmental defect causing arthritis in young large-breed dogs.

What is the Ununited Anconeal Process?

Anconeal process fails to ossify and detach, irritating the joint; affects larger breeds.

What typically causes elbow dislocation?

Severe trauma; the elbow is often flexed and unable to bear weight.

How many levels of articulations does the carpal joint have and what are they?

Three levels: antebrachio-carpal (separate joint cavity), midcarpal, and carpometacarpal joints; cavities may communicate.

What ligaments and ligamental structures stabilize the hip joint?

Transverse acetabular ligament and ligament of the head of the femur; overall hip is a highly mobile spheroidal joint.

Describe the sacroiliac joint.

Partly synovial and partly fibrocartilaginous; stability joint rather than mobility; strengthened by sacroiliac ligaments.

What features define a normal hip joint?

Deep acetabulum; smooth, round head of the femur; symmetrical posture and gait.

Name major clinical conditions of the hip region mentioned.

Pelvic fractures; hip dislocation; hip dysplasia.

What does THR and FHO stand for?

THR = Total Hip Replacement; FHO = Femoral Head Ostectomy.

What joints comprise the stifle (knee) joint in dogs?

Femorotibial; femoropatellar; proximal tibiofibular joints; all communicate within the joint capsule.

Which ligaments and structures stabilize the stifle joint?

Medial and lateral collateral ligaments; cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments.

What are common cranial/caudal cruciate ligament injuries signs?

Cranial Drawer Sign; lameness and pain; often require surgery.

Describe patellar luxation.

Dislocation of the patella; medial luxation common in small breeds; lateral luxation common in large breeds; graded I–IV; surgery often needed.

What is stifle dislocation and how is it diagnosed?

A very serious condition with potential joint damage; radiographs needed for diagnosis; reconstructive surgery is often required.

What are the components of the tarsal joint and its levels?

Tarsocrural; proximal intertarsal; distal intertarsal; tarsometatarsal joints; with medial and lateral collateral ligaments.

What are the main components of the carpus anatomy described?

Carpal bones arranged in rows; radiocarpal joint between radius/ulna and carpus; midcarpal joint; carpometacarpal joints; ligaments and tendons around the area.

Describe the three joints and joints’ communication within the carpus.

Antebrachio-carpal (radiocarpal) joint; Midcarpal joint; Carpometacarpal joint; the synovial cavities may communicate allowing injection.

What is a carpal joint dislocation and its usual treatment?

Dislocation of the carpus due to trauma; ligaments/bones may be damaged; surgery is often required.

Name the phalangeal joints.

Metatarso-phalangeal (MTP) joint; Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint; Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.