Stifle joint

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The stifle joint is a complex joint in the hindlimbs of quadruped mammals such as the sheep, horse or dog. It is the equivalent joint to the human knee.

The stifle joint consists of the femorotibial articulation (femoral and tibial condyles), femoropatellar articulation (femoral trochlea and the patella), and the proximal tibiofibular articulation.

The joint is stabilized by the cranial cruciate ligament, the caudal cruciate ligament, and paired collateral ligaments. Cushioning of the joint is provided by two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci which sit under the medial and lateral chondyles of the distal end of the femur. The menisci are attached via 3 ligaments; the meniscotibial, meniscofemoral and the transverse ligament of the menisci. The menisci also contain nerve endings which are used to assist in proprioreception.

There are 3 (sometimes 4) sesamoid bones associated with the stifle joint. These sesamoids assist with the smooth movement of tendon/muscle over the joint. The most well-known sesamoid bone is the patella, more commonly known as the 'knee cap'. It is located cranially to the joint and sits in the trochlear groove of the femur. It guides the patellar ligament of the quadriceps over the knee joint to its point of insertion on the tibia. Caudal to the joint are the 2 fabellae.