Stifle
Introduction
The stifle is a hinge joint mainly between the tibia and femur, the fibula is involved but is very small in comparison to the tibia, with the patellar sitting in front. The patellar is able to slide up and down the femur within a deep ridge, the trochlea ridge. Three ligaments attach to the patellar to allow it to hook in place and fix the stifle in extension, allowing a horse to stand with minimal effort. There are two small cartilages, menisci, within the joint providing cushioning and cruciate ligaments to hold the joint in position. Due to way a horse’s tendons and muscles are arranged, the reciprocal apparatus, the stifle is unable to flex without the hock also doing so.