Thoracic Limb - Joints

what is the glenohumeral joint?

the shoulder joint. allows for a wide range of motion (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction)

• ball-and-socket joint

what is a clinical note for shoulder joint instability?

the proximal end of the humerus can easily be moved cranially and hyperextension is possible

what is the cubital joint?

the elbow joint

• hinge joint

• 2 actions: flexion and extension

  • limited medial/lateral movement

what are the lateral and medial collateral ligaments?

ligaments that stablize the cubital joint

• lateral arises proximally from the lateral humeral epicondyle, splits distally to radius and ulna

  • medial runs from the medial humeral epicondyle to the radius and ulna

Are dislocations/luxations of the cubital joint common?

No. unless there is damage to the ulna and/or distal humerus

• for luxation to occur w/o fracture, trauma would have to occur when the elbow is extremely flexed

• both ligaments are ruptured in elbow luxations

what is the carpal joint complex?

the equivalent to the human wrist. composed of:

• antebrachiocarpal joint

• carpometacarpal joints

• middle carpal joint

movement is primarily flexion/extension, limited by medial/lateral collateral ligaments between adjacent bones

what is the antebrachiocarpal joint?

the joint between the distal radius/ulna and proximal row of carpal bones

what are the carpometacarpal joints?

joints between the distal row of carpal bones and proximal ends of the metacarpal bones

what is the middle carpal joint?

the joint between the proximal and distal rows of carpal bones

where can a small needle be placed for diagnostic/therapeutic procedures on the manus?

the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints

what on the manus shouldn’t be mistaken for bone chips on an x-ray?

the sesamoid bones embedded in the tendon of the common digital extensor.

• located where the tendon crosses the dorsal aspect of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints

what are the metacarpophangeal joints?

the joints on the manus that connect the metacarpals to the phalanges

what are the interphalangeal joints?

hinge joints located between the individual phalanges