A radiological study of the sesamoid bones and os meniscus of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

A radiological study of the sesamoids was undertaken in differing numbers o f joints from 10 cheetahs. Each sesamoid was described and measured. Sesamo ids were not found in the elbow and tarsal joints. A sesamoid was found in the abductor digiti 1 longus muscle as well as paired sesamoids were found at the interosseous muscle insertions palmarly of digits #1-5 and plantarly of digits #2-5. There were significant differences between abaxial and axi al lengths of some of these sesamoids and the palmar sesamoids were signifi cantly shorter than their plantar counterparts. In the stifle, a patella, a popliteal and two gastrocnemius sesamoids were present. The lateral gastrocnemius sesamoid was significantly longer than t he medial one and had a peculiar bilobed appearance. An os meniscus was con stantly present in the cranial aspect of the medial meniscus. The shape of the sesamoids and the presence of an os meniscus in the cheetah differed fr om those seen in the domestic dog and cat and were ascribed to differences in form and function.