What type of joint is the fetlock joint?
hinge joint
As a hinge joint The fetlock is a hinge joint (ginglymus), allowing flexion and extension, but only allowing minimal rotation, adduction, or abduction.
What is the scientific name for the fetlock joint?
The fetlock joint, or metacarpo-phalangeal joint in the forelimb, comprises the third metacarpal bone, two proximal sesamoid bones and the proximal phalanx bone (Getty, 1975) (Fig. 1a).
Where is the fetlock joint?
The fetlock joint is the articulation between the cannon bone (third metacarpal and metatarsal bone in the forelimb and hindlimb respectively) and the long pastern bone (first phalanx), with two sesamoid bones located at the back of the joint.
What is the function of fetlock?
Introduction. The fetlock joint is a rotary joint that can exhibit the greatest range of motion of any equine joint, ranging from 120° of extension to 120° of flexion, particularly during athletic events such as racing or jumping (Fig.
Is the fetlock a synovial joint?
The synovial joint consists of two bone ends covered by articular cartilage. Collateral ligaments are important in maintaining stability in joints such as the fetlock, carpus, elbow, hock and stifle. In addition, there are other ligaments that also support the integrity of joints.
Which bones are part of the fetlock metacarpophalangeal joint in the horse?
Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint The fetlock joint is the articulation between the trochlea of third metacarpal (cannon bone), the proximal phalanx and the proximal sesamoid bones; it allows flexion and extension movements.
What is fetlock effusion?
Fluid-filled swellings in the rear aspect of the tendon/fetlock area—called “windpuffs,” or synovial effusion of the tendon sheath—are a common condition in horses.
What is a fetlock fracture?
The small sesamoid bones at the back of the fetlock joint act as a form of ‘pulley’ for the suspensory ligaments. Fractures of these bones occur quite commonly in young foals, often as avulsion fractures (see above) at the attachments of the suspensory ligaments.
What is a fractured fetlock?
An affected horse will suddenly become lame and have swelling of the fetlock joint. Another type of fracture involves chips or loose fragments on the back of the long pastern bone. They may be due to trauma or osteochondrosis. These fractures are more common in the hindlimb and may involve the joint.
What does the word fetlock mean?
Definition of fetlock 1a : a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal — see horse illustration. b : the tuft of hair itself. 2 : the joint of the limb at the fetlock.