Characterization of anatomic communications between the femoropatellar joint and lateral and medial femorotibial joints in cattle, using intra-articular latex, positive contrast arthrography, and fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequency of communication between the lateral and medial femorotibial joints and the femoropatellar joint in cattle.

DESIGN

1 of 3 injection sites was randomly assigned to each ox.

ANIMALS

102 limbs were obtained from 55 fresh bovine cadavers presented for necropsy with problems unrelated to the stifle.

PROCEDURE

The joints were injected with a mixture of latex and barium sulfate. Communication between 2 or more joints was determined by the presence of latex and contrast material in a joint adjacent to the injected joint by examining frozen sections and positive-contrast arthrography.

RESULTS

Communication between the 3 joints was present in 58 (56.9%) limbs. The femoropatellar and the medial femorotibial joints always communicated. Thirteen of 38 (34.2%) specimens injected in the lateral femorotibial joint did not communicate with the 2 other joints. The femoropatellar joint communicated with the lateral and medial femorotibial joints on the distal abaxial aspect of the trochlear ridge.

CONCLUSION

Individual anatomic variation of the stifle in cattle should be considered when diagnostic or treatment protocols are established.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The lateral femorotibial joint should be treated separately because it does not consistently communicate with the femoropatellar or medial femorotibial joint.