stifles

Stifle is a term used mainly in veterinary anatomy to describe the knee-like joint of the hind limb in many mammals, including dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. The stifle comprises the articulation between the femur and tibia, with the patella (kneecap) sitting anteriorly. In humans, the analogous joint is the knee, but the term stifle remains primarily used for quadrupeds. The joint is stabilized by ligaments such as the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and the patellar ligament, along with surrounding muscles and the menisci in some species. Range of motion is flexion and extension, with rotational components in some animals.

Stifle problems are common causes of hind-limb lameness in veterinary medicine. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a frequent source of instability in dogs and can lead to pain and arthritis; meniscal tears and degenerative joint disease are also seen. In horses and cattle, stifle lameness may result from arthritis, ligament injuries, or infection; diagnosis relies on physical examination, imaging (radiography, ultrasound, or MRI in some centers), and sometimes arthroscopy. Treatment ranges from conservative management (rest, weight control, and anti-inflammatory medications) to surgical repair or stabilization, depending on species, age, and severity.

Stifle as a verb means to suppress or smother, as in stifling a breeze or a laugh. In discourse, it can describe actions that restrain, curb, or block the development or expression of something, such as stifling dissent or creativity. The word originates from Middle English and Latin roots meaning to suffocate or choke.