Abstract:
The canine coxofemoral joint is a remarkable structure, similar to that of humans. Anatomotopographically, the canine hip region includes a bony base, articular surfaces with ligamentous structures and intra-articular as well as extra-articular joining means represented by a vast muscle mass. Orthopedic diseases, such as coxofemoral dysplasia in dogs, are common, and the relationship between body structure and joint load during locomotion, as well as topographic and morphometric research can facilitate the diagnosis of such diseases. The objective of this study was to specify the structure of the coxofemoral joint, the ligamentous and muscular component. Each muscle was dissected from the surrounding tissues and divided into groups based on their innervation. The hip joint and its components were visually examined for damage to the articular cartilage.