Description of a Synovial Joint

By

Dr. Muhammad Imran Qureshi

Description Of a Synovial Joint

While describing a Synovial joint, one must consider TEN points in his / her mind.

1. Type of the Joint: Whether it is Simple, Compound or Complex?

A Simple Synovial Joint is formed between TWO bones. The joint is invested by a fibrous capsule, which in turn is lined by a synovial capsule lubricated by synovial fluid.

A Compound Synovial Joint is one in which more than TWO bones share the same synovial cavity.

A Complex Synovial Joint is like a simple joint, but it contains a fibrocartilaginous disk within the joint cavity.

Description Of a Synovial Joint

Description Of a Synovial Joint

2. Variety Of the Joint: Plane Uniaxial

Hinge Pivot

Biaxial Ellipsoid Condyloid

Multiaxial Ball and Socket Saddle

Description Of a Synovial Joint

3. Articular Surfaces: Always covered by Hyaline cartilage in a

Synovial joint.

Description Of a Synovial Joint

4. Fibrous Capsule: Its attachment and extent. The non articular parts of the bone / bones

that is / are invested by the fibrous capsule and hence becomes intracapsular.

Description Of a Synovial Joint

5. Synovial Capsule / Membrane: Its extent and attachment. Which parts of the joint remain extra synovial

but intracapsular.

Description Of a Synovial Joint

6. Ligaments of the joint: Extracapsular Intracapsular

Description Of a Synovial Joint

7. Blood Supply of the joint: Usually from the anastomosis around the

joint

Description Of a Synovial Joint

8. Nerve Supply of the Joint: Follows Hilton’s Law which states:

“A nerve supplying the muscle across a joint tends to give a branch to the joint the muscle moves, and another branch to the skin over the joint”

Description Of a Synovial Joint

9. Movements of the joint, range of movements and the muscles responsible for these movements.

Description Of a Synovial Joint

10. Stability of the joint: Factors responsible for the stability

Bony Factors Ligamentous Factors Muscular Factors