The stifle joint plays an important role in overall health and performance. Often coined the most complex joint in the horse’s anatomy, it is akin to the human knee, serving a myriad of roles including shock absorption, propulsion and weight support

The stifle joint’s complexity subjects it to a variety of pathologies that range in severity from a decrease in performance to crippling lameness. Understanding this important joint — and how shoeing affects it — can help farriers prevent and treat stifle conditions when they arise.

Understanding the Joint Structure

The stifle is comprised of bone, cartilage and soft tissue structures, according to Trent Bliss, DVM, professional services veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim. All totaled, three bones, three smaller joints and 14 ligaments work in tandem.

“In the past, we’ve primarily been concerned with the bones and cartilage,” Bliss says. “As we’ve evolved as a veterinary profession and the tools we use for diagnostics have improved, our understanding of anatomy has become more well-rounded. We know more about biomechanics than we ever have, and that’s changing the way we look at the stifle joint.”

The femur, tibia and patella are the three bones found in the stifle joint.

“The femur extends down from the pelvis and rests on top of the tibia,” Bliss explains. “The patella is like a human kneecap, sliding along the femur when the joint flexes. The patella, bottom of the femur and top of the tibia are all covered in cartilage.”

Bliss says three distinctive joint pouches…