Effect of repeated arthrocentesis and single joint lavage on cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid in 5 young calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated arthrocentesis and a single joint lavage on cytologic variables of synovial fluid. The left tarsi of 5 healthy Holstein calves were selected for the study. Samples of synovial fluid were collected daily for 4 d, then every 4 d until day 24. On day 2, joint lavage was performed with lactated Ringer's solution in all the calves. Cytologic examinations, performed by the same clinical pathologist, included the determination of total protein concentration, total leukocyte count, and differential counts (of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes). The presence of lameness or swelling and other results of physical examination were recorded regularly during the study. No clinical signs of joint disease were observed during the study. Bacterial cultures of specimens collected on day 2 were negative for all the calves. All cytologic values but 1 peaked on day 2 and progressively returned to normal. In comparison with the results for day 1, the synovial fluid total leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were significantly increased on days 2 and 3, and the total leukocyte and monocyte counts were also significantly increased on day 4. The monocyte and lymphocyte percentages were significantly decreased until day 4, whereas the neutrophil percentages were significantly increased until day 8. The total protein concentrations were significantly increased until day 3. There were no significant differences between values for specimens taken 4 d apart. This study demonstrated that, although arthrocentesis induces a moderate inflammatory response, the joints seem to rapidly adapt. A 4-d interval between arthrocenteses is suitable when studying cellular components of the synovial fluid. However, when arthrocentesis is repeated daily, a minimal interval of 8 d should be respected.

Cytologic analysis of synovial fluid in clinically normal tarsal joints of young camels (Camelus dromedarius).

BACKGROUND: Camels are important in the racing industry and for milk, meat, and hair production in the Middle East. Evaluation of synovial fluid is an important part of the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries in this species. Information in the literature regarding synovial fluid in camels is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the protein and cellular composition of synovial fluid from the tarsal joints of clinically normal, young camels (Camelus dromedarius). METHODS: Thirty clinically healthy, male camels, aged 9 to 12 months, were used in the study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the right and left tarsal joints. Samples were processed within 60 minutes after collection. Total nucleated cell counts (TNCC) were assessed using a hemacytometer. Total protein concentration was determined using a refractometer. RESULTS: Forty-six samples were analyzed. The TNCC (mean +/- SD) was 175.8 +/- 136.7 cells/microL (range 50-678 cells/microL). Differential cell percentages were obtained for lymphocytes (58.2 +/- 21.55%, range 15-90%), monocyte/macrophages (38.3 +/- 20.8%, range 10-85%), and neutrophils (3.5 +/- 5.1%, range 0-15%). Protein concentration was 2.1 +/- 0.6 g/dL (range 1-3 g/dL). Significant differences were not observed in any parameters between right and left tarsal joints. CONCLUSION: Synovial fluid reference values were established and may be useful in the clinical investigation of joint disease in young camels.

Synovial fluid cell counts and total protein concentration in clinically normal fetlock joints of young dromedarian camels.

Twenty-seven 9-12 months old healthy male dromedarian camels were used to determine total nucleated leucocyte count (TNCC), absolute and percentages of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leucocytes, and total protein (TP) concentration in synovial fluid from grossly and radiographically normal fetlock joints. Arthrocentesis was performed bilaterally from the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Blood contaminated samples and samples obtained from grossly or radiographically abnormal joints were excluded. The mean +/- SD of TNCC in 108 samples of fetlock joint synovial fluids was 500 +/- 400 cells/microl. Monocytes/macrophages were the predominant cell type. There were no significant differences in mean TNCC, absolute numbers and percentages of various leucocytes and TP concentrations between the right and left fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs or between the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The mean +/- SD of absolute numbers and percentages of various cell types were: PMN leucocytes 1 +/- 2 cells/microl (2%), lymphocytes 116 +/- 167 cells/microl (26%), and monocytes/macrophages 383 +/- 323 cells/microl (72%). The mean +/- SD of TP concentration was 2 +/- 1 g/dl.

[Form and attachment of the human sinus tarsi and canalis tarsi ligaments]. / Gestalt und Befestigung der Bandsysteme im Sinus und Canalis tarsi des Menschen.

In addition to loose connective tissue, fat and blood vessels, the sinus and canalis tarsi also contain the capsules for the intertarsal joints as well as several varyingly stable tracts of fibers which present themselves in varying planes and directions but are nevertheless in a discernible arrangement to one another. This arrangement of fibers was studied on the feet of 40 adults whereby five distinct and clearly definable bundles could be regularly dissected. Starting from the lateral side and going medialis of the retinaculum mm. extensorum inferius, also a lig. talocalcaneum obliquum and a lig. canalis tarsi. Microscopically, fibrocartilage is evidenced in the ligaments and retinacula near their points of attachment to the bone. The ligaments lying lateral to the axis of movements for the talocalcaneal joint restrain the inversion while the medially lying lig. canalis tarsi prevents the eversion.