JOINTS Flashcards
What is a joint?
Smooth bearing surface
Flexible interface between bones
What is the technique called when sampling synovial fluid of the joints
Synoviocentis
What can synoviocentis assess
Joint disease
Infection
How do you prepare for synovial fluid sampling
Clip area
Scrub area with antiseptic for 3-5mins
Swap alcohol over surface
What equipment do you need for synoviocentis?
20 gauge needle
2-10 ml syringe
What do you with sample once it’s been taken?
Prepare on microscope slide and smear
What do you assess with synoviocentis
Total protein concentration
High protein conc. indicated inflammation
How do you measure total protein conc.
Put sample in micro capillary tube and then centrifuge it
Then put it in a retractor
Where should you insert needle when sssessing synovial fluid in fetlock joint?
Through proximal part of lateral collateral sesamoidal ligament
Needle parallel to ground
Where do you insert needle when sampling synovial fluid at the distal interphalangal joint?
Palpate the condyles of the condyles of the second phalange on dorsal aspect
Insert needle 1cm from coronary band
Direct needle distally
Should be perpendicular to the dorsal aspect of the pastern
What are the normal parameters for synovial fluid for:
Colour
Viscosity
Turbidity
Total protein
pH
White blood cell count
Cell types
Clear of slightly yellow
>2cm
None
10-20g per litre
Less than 6.9
0.2 x 10^9
Less tyan 10% neutrophils, some lymphocytes and mononuclear cells
What are the abnormal parameters for synovial fluid for:
Colour
Viscosity
Turbidity
Total protein
pH
White blood cell count
Cell types
Clear, haemoharrgic, yellow
Watery
None, turbidy, cloudy
>40g per litre
>6.9
>50 x 10^9
More than 90% neutrophils, bacteria
Where would you find fibrous cartilage joints?
Skull
Teeth
Where would you find cartilaginous joints?
Two halves of pelvis, to give extra space when giving birth
What is an example of a synovial joint?
Horse fetlock
What are the parts of a synovial joint?
Articular cartilage
Subchondral cartilage
Epiphyseal bone
Synovial fluid
Synovial membrane
Capsule and ligaments
What is the structure and function of the subchondral bone?
Supports cartilage
Distributes loads
Rich blood supply
What does synovial fluid contain?
Small ions and molecules
High concentration of hyaluronan
Nutrients such as oxygen, which can then diffuse to cartilage
What happens if volume of synovial fluid is too high?
Distance of diffuse for nutrients to cartilage becomes too large
Reduced joint stability
What are some important cytokines in joints?
Interleukin 1
Tumour necrosis factor
What is the structure of the synovial membrane like?
Highly vascularised
Villi or smooth surface
Two main cell types (synoviocytes):
- A —> macrophage like (eat debris)
- B —> fibroblast like (synthesis fibres)
What is the function of the synovial membrane?
- produces synovial fluid
Synthesises essential molecules like fibrogen and Hyaluroonian
Nutrition, as brings blood vessels closer to cartilage
clears debris from joints
What is the structure and function of a joint capsule?
Supports and stabilises joint
Contains nerves —> monitors joint position and movement
What is the function and structure of collateral ligaments?
Tendon like, but with higher ratio of elastin to collagen
Allows more stretch
Provides stability between bones forming a joint
What is the function of tendon Sheaths and bursae
To protect tendons/ soft tissues from bones rubbing and damaging them
What is an example of a saddle joint
Wrist
What is an example of a ball and socket joint
Shoulder
What is an example of a condyloid joint/
Wrist
What is an example of a hinge joint
Elbow
What is an example of a gliding joint
Intercarpals/ intertasus
What type of joint is shoulder joint?
Synovial ball and socket joint
What type of joint is elbow joint?
Hinge joint
What type of joint is carpal joint?
Gliding joint
