Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Understanding the distal radioulnar ligament in cats
By Basa, Rachel M et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2023·Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Anatomy of the distal radioulnar ligament in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the structure of a specific ligament in cats called the distal radioulnar ligament, which connects two bones in the forearm. Researchers examined eight cat joints from deceased animals using both simple and advanced microscopes to get a detailed view. They found that this ligament has a triangular shape and is made up of tightly packed fibers, with some cartilage at the ends where it attaches to the bones. Interestingly, the ligament in cats is less complex than in dogs and cheetahs, which might allow for more movement in their forearms. Understanding this anatomy could help veterinarians better treat injuries in the wrist area of cats.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the distal radioulnar ligament in the cat, using gross and histological sections from cadaveric feline carpi. METHODS: Eight feline cadaveric distal radioulnar joints were included in the study, including six that were paraffin- and two that were polymethyl methacrylate-embedded. Each of the sections of the distal radioulnar joint and ligament were viewed macroscopically and microscopically using a dissection microscope and a standard light microscope with polarising capacity. RESULTS: On gross examination, the distal radioulnar ligament could be seen as a triangular-shaped structure extending between the dorsal surface of the distal radius and ulna. The centre of the ligament had a greater density of tightly packed collagen fibres, while fibrocartilage was identified at the site of both the radial and ulnar entheses. Articular cartilage was noted to extend to the most proximal part of the bulbous portion of the distal ulna and corresponding axial aspect of the distal radius. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In the cat, there appears to be a less extensive interosseous component of the distal radioulnar ligament compared with the dog and cheetah. Instead, the ligament follows the articular surfaces of the distal radius and ulna. These anatomical differences may account for increased rotation of the feline antebrachium and have clinical implications, particularly with regard to the management of antebrachiocarpal joint injuries.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36779780/