Innervation of the equine hip and stifle joint capsules

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Equine Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Accurate anatomical knowledge of equine limb innervation is essential for understanding joint pain and developing effective treatments.
• The specific distribution of articular nerves to the hip and stifle joint capsules and associated ligaments in horses is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meticulously dissect and identify the articular nerve supply to the hip and stifle joints in equine hindlimbs.
• To map the precise distribution of these nerve fibers within the joint capsules and supporting ligaments.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of the hindlimbs of three ponies and three horses.
• Identification and tracing of articular nerve branches supplying the hip and stifle joints.

Main Results:

• The hip joint capsule receives articular nerve fibers from the femoral, obturator, cranial gluteal, and sciatic nerves.
• The stifle joint capsule is innervated by articular branches of the femoral, saphenous, obturator, common peroneal, and tibial nerves.
• Nerve fibers were observed within the fibrous joint capsule, capsular ligaments, fat pad, patellar, collateral, meniscal, and cruciate ligaments.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a detailed neuroanatomical map of the equine hip and stifle joints.
• The findings enhance our understanding of nociception and proprioception in these critical joints.
• This knowledge is vital for veterinary surgeons and diagnosticians involved in equine lameness cases.