Anatomical study of stifle joint in dogs

Abstract

The stifler is one of the hindlimb joints, described as complicated join consisting of many structures that organized in accurate way to support and stabilize body and hindlimb during the movement. The stifle joint of dogs, equivalent to the knee joint in the human, is a complex composition comprising the tibia, patella femur, menisci, caudal and cranial cruciate ligaments, lateral and medial collateral ligament, also surrounding muscles like hamstring and quadriceps muscles. The long bones (tibia and femur) form this joint, while patella sits in front of it to protect it. The two C-shaped menisci act as shock absorbers, and the supporting ligaments including collateral and cruciate provide stability to the joint. The surrounding muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, help to extend and flex the joint, respectively. Together, these structures work in harmony to allow for the complex movement of dogs’ stifle joint.
 Understanding the anatomical features of the stifle joint in dogs is important for diagnosing and treating injuries or conditions that affect this complex joint