Morphology of cartilage and bone trauma in the elbow joint of growing swine

Abstract

Osteochondrosis and trauma are major causes of lameness in pigs, especially in breeding stock. However, less is known about the effects of trauma in joint cartilage than about osteochondrosis. This report describes the incidence and consequences of trauma in the elbow joints of growing swine. We suggest that lesions caused by trauma involve compression, twisting and plowing in the joint. Key words: Cartilage, bone, trauma, elbow joint, swine