Characterization of anatomic communications among the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal, and carpometacarpal joints in cattle, using intra-articular latex, positive-contrast arthrography, and fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequency and sites of communication among the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal, and carpometacarpal joints in cattle.

ANIMALS

137 limbs were obtained from 72 fresh bovine cadavers submitted for necropsy because of problems unrelated to the carpus.

PROCEDURE

1 of the 3 injection sites was randomly assigned to both carpi of each ox, and a mixture of latex and barium sulfate was injected into the joint. 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 examination of frozen sections, positive-contrast arthrography, and fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

Communication existed among the 3 joints in 18 specimens (13.1%). The middle carpal joint and the carpometacarpal joint always communicated. The antebrachiocarpal joint communicated with the middle carpal joint between the ulnar and intermediate carpal bones. The middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints always communicated between the fourth and fused second and third carpal bones. In a few specimens, additional sites of communication were identified at the palmar aspect of the fourth carpal bone and the fused second and third carpal bones.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

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