An in vitro study on joint fitting and cartilage thickness in the radiocarpal joint of foals.

The change in the degree of fitting of the opposing articular cartilage surfaces of the radiocarpal joint of foals was studied in vitro using a pneumatic loading device. The thickness of the articular cartilage of the distal radius was examined using radiographic and histological techniques. The thickest cartilage corresponded with the approximate centre of the contact area of the opposing articular surface. The variations in articular cartilage contact area and thickness are discussed.