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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Academy of Pediatrics
Essentials of
Musculoskeletal
Care
April D. Armstrong, BSc(PT), MSc, MD, FRCSC
Mark C. Hubbard, MPT
Editors
Board of Directors, 2015-2016
Published 2016 by the
David D. Teuscher, MD
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
President
9400 West Higgins Road
Gerald R. Williams, Jr, MD Rosemont, IL 60018
First Vice President
William J. Maloney, MD Fifth Edition
Second Vice President Copyright 2016
Frederick M. Azar, MD by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Treasurer
Frederick M. Azar, MD The material presented in Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, 5th Edition
Past President has been made available by the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Lisa K. Cannada, MD Surgeons for educational purposes only. This material is not intended
Howard R. Epps, MD
to present the only, or necessarily best, methods or procedures for the
medical situations discussed, but rather is intended to represent an
Daniel C. Farber, MD
approach, view, statement, or opinion of the author(s) or producer(s),
Daniel K. Guy, MD which may be helpful to others who face similar situations.
Lawrence S. Halperin, MD
David A. Halsey, MD Some drugs or medical devices demonstrated in Academy courses or
David J. Mansfield, MD described in Academy print or electronic publications have not been
cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have been cleared
Raj D. Rao, MD
for specific uses only. The FDA has stated that it is the responsibility
Brian G. Smith, MD of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each drug or
Ken Sowards, MBA device he or she wishes to use in clinical practice.
Jennifer M. Weiss, MD
Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE (ex officio) Furthermore, any statements about commercial products are solely the
opinion(s) of the author(s) and do not represent an Academy endorsement
Staff or evaluation of these products. These statements may not be used in
Ellen C. Moore, Chief Education Officer advertising or for any commercial purpose.
Hans Koelsch, PhD, Director, Department of
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
Publications
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means,
Lisa Claxton Moore, Senior Manager, Book electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
Program
prior written permission from the publisher.
Laura Goetz, Managing Editor
Steven Kellert, Senior Editor Library of Congress Control Number: 2015945905
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Programs
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xii
Conditions chapters include:
a. Synonyms
b. Clinical symptoms
c. Physical examination pearls
d. Diagnostic tests
e. Differential diagnosis
f. Adverse outcomes of the disease
g. Treatment
h. Rehabilitation prescription
i. Adverse outcomes of treatment
j. Referral decisions/Red flags
Procedures include:
a. Symbol indicating video is
available by clicking the
link.
b. List of materials
c. Step-by-step instructions
xiii
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE
General Orthopaedics
xx Pain Diagram 90 Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal 181 Preoperative Evaluation of
2 Anatomy Hyperostosis Medical Comorbidities
3 Overview of General 92 Drugs: Corticosteroid 188 Rehabilitation and
Orthopaedics Injections Therapeutic Modalities
8 Principles of 96 Drugs: Nonsteroidal 198 Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal Evaluation Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Conditioning: Helping
100 Falls and Traumatic Injuries Patients Prevent Injury and
15 Amputations of the Lower Stay Fit
Extremity in the Elderly Patient
109 Fibromyalgia Syndrome 201 Home Exercise Program for
24 Anesthesia for Orthopaedic Shoulder Conditioning
Surgery 115 Fracture Evaluation and
Management Principles 209 Home Exercise Program for
32 Arthritis: Osteoarthritis Hip Conditioning
39 Complementary and 122 Fracture Healing
219 Home Exercise Program for
Alternative Medicine 127 Fracture Splinting Knee Conditioning
Therapies for Osteoarthritis Principles
226 Home Exercise Program
46 Arthritis: Rheumatoid 135 Imaging: Principles and for Foot and Ankle
Arthritis Techniques Conditioning
53 Arthritis: Seronegative 144 Infection: Osteomyelitis 233 Home Exercise Program for
Spondyloarthropathies 147 Infection: Septic Arthritis Lumbar Spine Conditioning
58 Compartment Syndrome 152 Lyme Disease 238 Rehabilitation: Canes,
65 Complex Regional Pain 156 Osteoporosis Crutches, and Walkers
Syndrome 244 Sports Medicine Evaluation
166 Overuse Syndromes
72 Concussion: Sports-Related and Management Principles
173 Pain Management in the
76 Crystal Deposition Diseases Orthopaedic Patient 249 Sprains and Strains
82 Deep Vein Thrombosis 177 Pain: Nonorganic 253 Tumors of Bone
Symptoms and Signs
SECTION THREE
SECTION FIVE
Hip and Thigh
550 Pain Diagram 585 Fracture of the Proximal 619 Strains of the Thigh
552 Anatomy Femur 622 Home Exercise Program
553 Overview of the Hip 589 Hip Impingement for Strains of the Thigh
and Thigh 593 Inflammatory Arthritis 627 Stress Fracture of the
558 Home Exercise Program 596 Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Femoral Neck
for Hip Conditioning Nerve Syndrome 630 Transient Osteoporosis
566 Physical Examination of 599 Osteoarthritis of the Hip of the Hip
the Hip and Thigh 602 Osteonecrosis of the Hip 632 Trochanteric Bursitis
574 Dislocation of the Hip 605 Snapping Hip 635 Home Exercise Program
(Acute, Traumatic) for Trochanteric Bursitis
608 Home Exercise Program
578 Fracture of the Femoral for Snapping Hip 638 Procedure: Trochanteric
Shaft Bursitis Injection
612 Strains of the Hip
581 Fracture of the Pelvis
615 Home Exercise Program
for Strains of the Hip
SECTION EIGHT
Spine
922 Pain Diagram 965 Cervical Strain 985 Home Exercise Program
924 Anatomy 968 Home Exercise Program for Low Back Stability and
for Cervical Strain Strength: Introductory
925 Overview of the Spine
970 Fractures of the Cervical 987 Lumbar Herniated Disk
934 Home Exercise Program
for Lumbar Spine Spine 992 Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Conditioning 973 Fractures of the Thoracic 996 Metastatic Disease
939 Physical Examination of or Lumbar Spine 999 Scoliosis in Adults
the Spine 976 Low Back Pain: Acute 1002 Spinal Orthoses
956 Cauda Equina Syndrome 980 Home Exercise Program 1006 Spondylolisthesis:
958 Cervical Radiculopathy for Acute Low Back Pain Degenerative
961 Cervical Spondylosis 982 Low Back Pain: Chronic 1008 Spondylolisthesis: Isthmic
1222 Glossary
1239 Index
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diffuse idiopathic
skeletal hyperostosis
(DISH)
Seronegative
spondyloarthropathies
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
General Orthopaedics
xx Pain Diagram 65 Complex Regional Pain 127 Fracture Splinting 201 Home Exercise
Syndrome Principles Program for Shoulder
2 Anatomy
72 Concussion: 135 Imaging: Principles and Conditioning
3 Overview of General
Sports-Related Techniques 209 Home Exercise Program
Orthopaedics
76 Crystal Deposition 144 Infection: Osteomyelitis for Hip Conditioning
8 Principles of
Diseases 147 Infection: Septic Arthritis 219 Home Exercise Program
Musculoskeletal
82 Deep Vein Thrombosis for Knee Conditioning
Evaluation 152 Lyme Disease
90 Diffuse Idiopathic 226 Home Exercise Program
15 Amputations of the 156 Osteoporosis
Skeletal Hyperostosis for Foot and Ankle
Lower Extremity
166 Overuse Syndromes Conditioning
24 Anesthesia for 92 Drugs: Corticosteroid
Orthopaedic Surgery Injections 173 Pain Management in the 233 Home Exercise Program
Orthopaedic Patient for Lumbar Spine
32 Arthritis: Osteoarthritis 96 Drugs: Nonsteroidal Conditioning
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs 177 Pain: Nonorganic
39 Complementary Symptoms and Signs 238 Rehabilitation: Canes,
and Alternative 100 Falls and Traumatic Crutches, and Walkers
Medicine Therapies for Injuries in the Elderly 181 Preoperative Evaluation
Osteoarthritis Patient of Medical Comorbidities 244 Sports Medicine
Evaluation and
46 Arthritis: Rheumatoid 109 Fibromyalgia Syndrome 188 Rehabilitation and Management Principles
Arthritis Therapeutic Modalities
115 Fracture Evaluation and 249 Sprains and Strains
53 Arthritis: Seronegative Management Principles 198 Musculoskeletal
Conditioning: Helping 253 Tumors of Bone
Spondyloarthropathies 122 Fracture Healing
Patients Prevent Injury
58 Compartment Syndrome
and Stay Fit
Section Editor
Letha Y. Griffin, MD, PhD
Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic
Team Physician
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Contributors
Albert J. Aboulafia, MD, FACS, MBA Julie A. Dodds, MD George N. Guild III, MD Lindsey S. Knowles, DPT, STC Thomas J. Moore, MD
Medical Director, Weinberg Associate Clinical Professor Orthopaedic Surgeon Owner, Physical Therapist Associate Professor
Cancer Institute Division of Sports Medicine Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic Department of Outpatient Department of Orthopaedics
Director, Sarcoma Services Michigan State University Northside Hospital Orthopaedics and Sports Emory School of Medicine
Associate Professor of East Lansing, Michigan Atlanta, Georgia Physical Therapy Atlanta, Georgia
Orthopaedics and Oncology, Atlanta Sport & Spine Physical Therapy
Gregory K. Faucher, MD Stephen C. Hamilton, MD Robert A. Murphy, MS, ATC
Georgetown University School of Atlanta, Georgia
Resident Physician Orthopaedic Surgeon Associate Athletic Director for Sports
Medicine
Orthopaedic Surgery Beacon Orthopaedics L. Andrew Koman, MD Medicine and Nutrition
Franklin Square Hospital and Sinai
Emory University Cincinnati, Ohio Professor and Chair Athletic Department
Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery Georgia State University
Baltimore, Maryland Douglas Hollern, MD
Wake Forest Baptist Health Atlanta, Georgia
Eli C. Garrard, MD Medical Student
Lindsay M. Andras, MD Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Resident College of Medicine Michael S. Pinzur, MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Cincinnati Joseph M. Lane, MD Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Children’s Orthopaedic Center
Emory University Cincinnati, Ohio Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Atlanta, Georgia Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
Keck School of Medicine of the Mark C. Hubbard, MPT
Weill Cornell Medical College Loyola University Health System
University of Southern California Marcel Gilli, MD Physical Therapist
New York, New York Maywood, Illinois
Los Angeles, California Anesthesiologist Bone and Joint Institute
American Anesthesiology of Georgia Penn State Milton S. Hershey Laurel R. Lemasters, MD David A. Schiff, MD
Laura L. Bellaire, MD
Piedmont Hospital Medical Center Musculoskeletal Radiologist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Resident
Atlanta, Georgia Hershey, Pennsylvania Northwest Radiology Consultants Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic
Orthopaedic Surgery
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia
Emory University Jordyn R. Griffin, MD James S. Kercher, MD
Atlanta, Georgia Resident Physician Orthopaedic Surgeon Tanya Maxwell, MS, L/ATC Ted Sousa, MD
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic Clinical Coordinator for Dr. Letha Griffin Clinical Fellow
John A. Bergfeld, MD
University of Kentucky Atlanta, Georgia Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Senior Surgeon
Lexington, Kentucky Atlanta, Georgia University of Southern California
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Los Angeles, California
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio Harlan McMillan Starr, Jr, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Georgia Hand, Shoulder, & Elbow
Atlanta, Georgia
© 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care 5 1
ANATOMY—MAJOR BONES OF THE BODY
Skull
Clavicle Mandible
Scapula
Humerus
Spinal column
Radius
Pelvis
Ulna
Carpal bones
Metacarpals
Phalanges
Femur
Patella
Fibula Tibia
Metatarsals
Tarsal bones
Phalanges
Arthritis
The etiologies of arthritis range from degenerative processes
associated with aging (osteoarthritis) to acute infectious processes
(septic arthritis). Likewise, disability from arthritis ranges from
stiffness to severe pain and crippling dysfunction. Two of the most
common forms of adult arthritis encountered in clinical practice are
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (Figure 1). Distinguishing
characteristics are listed in Table 1.
Other types of inflammatory arthritis include the seronegative
spondyloarthropathies, crystal deposition diseases, and septic
arthritis. Of these conditions, septic arthritis is the most urgent
because immediate diagnosis and efficacious treatment are required
to prevent joint destruction. Diagnosis typically involves joint
fluid analysis, in which a leukocyte count greater than 50,000 or
a differential count of 90% polymorphonucleocytes is concerning
for bacterial arthritis. Joint aspiration and culture, followed by
appropriately tailored antibiotics, and in most cases, surgical drainage
and lavage, are imperative. The crystal arthropathies present as
acute monoarticular arthritis with an abrupt onset of intense pain
and swelling. The seronegative spondyloarthropathies are a group
of disorders characterized by oligoarticular peripheral joint arthritis,
enthesitis, inflammatory changes in axial skeletal joints (sacroiliitis
and spondylitis), extra-articular sites of inflammation, association
with HLA-B27, and negative rheumatoid factor.
Figure 1 Illustration shows joints commonly affected by arthritis. Blue asterisks indicate joints predominantly
affected by osteoarthritis; red asterisks indicate joints predominantly affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
DIP = distal interphalangeal, MCP = metacarpophalangeal, MTP = metatarsophalangeal, PIP = proximal
interphalangeal.
Table 1
Characteristics of Osteoarthritis Versus Rheumatoid Arthritis
Table 3
Major Risk Factors for Osteoporotic Fractures
SECTION 1 GENERAL ORTHOPAEDICS
Not Modifiable
Advanced age
Female sex
History of fracture as an adult
History of fracture in first-degree relative
Dementia
Poor health/frailty
Caucasian or Asian race
Possibly Modifiable
Low bone mineral density
Oral glucocorticoid use
Recurrent falls
Current tobacco use
Alcoholism
Estrogen deficiency, including menopause onset before age 45 years
Lifelong low calcium intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Low body weight
Little or no physical activity
Trauma
Trauma to the musculoskeletal system may involve bones, ligaments,
or tendons. Initial management should include a thorough history;
physical examination, including assessment of neurovascular status;
imaging; and appropriate immobilization via splinting or bracing.
The skin should be inspected for wounds that extend into fractures
or joints. Open injuries necessitate urgent irrigation and débridement
to minimize the chance of infection. Injured patients should be
monitored for traumatic compartment syndrome, especially in leg
and forearm fractures; immediate surgical fasciotomy is required to
prevent catastrophic sequelae. Following trauma, immobilization of
the injured body part provides pain relief, limits further bone and
soft-tissue damage, and may aid in the definitive treatment. Injury Table 4
type and severity, along with patient-specific considerations, factor
into the decision of nonsurgical versus surgical management in Signs of Elder Abuse
musculoskeletal trauma.
Evaluation
Patients presenting with musculoskeletal problems may report pain,
stiffness, deformity, or weakness. General principles for evaluating
these patients are described here.
History
The history of the presenting condition should include onset, location,
duration, aggravators/relievers, character, and temporal factors
tailored to the specific symptom or symptoms (Table 1). Additional
questions about the patient’s medical history, social history, and
family history, and a review of systems may reveal clues that suggest
the correct diagnosis. For example, substantial weight loss in a
person who smokes may suggest that low back pain is secondary
to metastatic disease, whereas back pain in a postmenopausal
woman with a history of a fragility fracture may suggest a vertebral
compression fracture. In persons with musculoskeletal disorders, it
is important to understand the patient’s level of function before the
injury or illness.
Physical Examination
The general principles of examining the musculoskeletal system,
including inspection, palpation, range of motion, muscle testing,
motor and sensory evaluation, and special tests, are described later
in this section. The specific techniques are detailed in subsequent
anatomic sections. When examining the extremities, comparison with
Table 1
History Questions Pertinent to Musculoskeletal Conditions
Figure 2 Illustrations show means of measuring joint motion in the upper extremity. (Reproduced from Greene
WB, Heckman JD, eds: The Clinical Measurement of Joint Motion. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1994.)
motion. When the joint is at the farthest extent of the arc of motion,
realign the distal arm of the goniometer with the axis of the distal
segment and read the degree of joint motion from the goniometer.
Definitions of Limited Motion
The terminology for describing limited motion is illustrated in
Figure 5. The knee joint depicted in this photograph can be neither
Family—Trichiuridæ.
Marine fishes inhabiting the tropical and sub-tropical seas; some
of them are surface-fishes, living in the vicinity of the coast, whilst
others descend to moderate depths, as the Berycoids. All are
powerful rapacious fishes, as is indicated by their dentition.
The oldest of the extinct genera are Enchodus and Anenchelum;
they were formerly referred to the Scombroids, but belong to this
family. The former has been found in the chalk of Lewes and
Mæstricht; the latter is abundant in the Eocene schists of Glaris.
Anenchelum is much elongate, and exhibits in the slender structure
of its bones the characteristics of a deep-sea fish; it resembles much
Lepidopus, but has some long rays in the ventrals. Other Eocene
genera are Nemopteryx and Xiphopterus. In the Miocene of Licata in
Sicily Trichiuridæ are well represented, viz. by a species of
Lepidopus, and by two genera, Hemithyrsites and Trichiurichthys,
which are allied to Thyrsites and Trichiurus, but covered with scales.
The following is a complete list of the genera referred to this
family:—
Nealotus.—Body incompletely clothed with delicate scales. Small
teeth in the jaws and on the palatine bones; none on the vomer. Two
dorsal fins, the first continuous and extending to the second; finlets
behind the second and anal fins. Each ventral fin represented by a
single small spine. A dagger-shaped spine behind the vent. Caudal fin
well developed.
One specimen only of this fish (N. tripes), 10 inches long, has
been obtained off Madeira; it evidently lives at a considerable depth,
and comes to the surface only by accident.
Nesiarchus.—Body covered with small scales. Several strong
fangs in the jaws; no teeth on the palate. First dorsal not extending to
the second. No detached finlets. Ventrals small, but perfectly
developed, thoracic. Caudal fin present. A dagger-shaped spine
behind the vent.
A rather large fish (N. nasutus), very rarely found in the sea off
Madeira. The two or three specimens found hitherto measure from
three to four feet in length. Probably living at the same depth as the
preceding genus.
Aphanopus.—Scales none. Two very long dorsal fins; caudal well
developed; ventrals none. A strong dagger-shaped spine behind the
vent. Strong teeth in the jaws; none on the palate.
One species only is known, named A. carbo from its coal-black
colour; it is evidently a deep-sea fish, very rarely obtained in the sea
off Madeira. Upwards of four feet long.
Euoxymetopon.—Body naked, very long and thin. Profile of the
head regularly decurved from the nape to the snout, the occiput and
forehead being elevated and trenchant. Jaws with fangs; palatine
teeth present. One dorsal only, continued from the head to the caudal
fin, which is distinct. A dagger-shaped spine behind the vent. Pectoral
fins inserted almost horizontally, with the lowest rays longest, and with
the posterior border emarginate. Ventral fins rudimentary, scale-like.
This is another deep-sea form of this family, but, at present, no
observations have been made as regards the exact depth at which it
occurs. A specimen has been known since the year 1812; it was
found on the coast of Scotland, and described as Trichiurus lepturus.
The same species has been re-discovered in the West Indies,
where, however, it is also extremely scarce.
Lepidopus.—Body band-like; one single dorsal extends along the
whole length of the back; caudal well developed. Ventrals reduced to
a pair of scales. Scales none. Several fangs in the jaws; teeth on the
palatine bones.
Fig. 192.—Lepidopus caudatus.
The Scabbard-fish (L. caudatus) is rather common in the
Mediterranean and warmer parts of the Atlantic, extending
northwards to the south coast of England, where it is an occasional
visitor, and southwards to the Cape of Good Hope. More recently it
has been observed on the coasts of Tasmania and New Zealand.
We may, therefore, justly consider it to be a deep-sea fish, which
probably descends to the same depth as the preceding allied forms.
It grows to a length of five or six feet, but its body is so much
compressed that it does not weigh more than as many pounds. It is
well known in New Zealand, where it is called “Frost-fish,” and
esteemed as the most delicious fish of the colony. A still more
attenuated species (L. tenuis) occurs in the sea off Japan, at a depth
of some 340 fathoms.
Trichiurus.—Body band-like, tapering into a fine point, without
caudal fin. One single dorsal extending the whole length of the back.
Ventrals reduced to a pair of scales, or entirely absent. Anal fin
rudimentary, with numerous extremely short spines, scarcely
projecting beyond the skin. Long fangs in the jaws; teeth on the
palatine bones, none on the vomer.
The “Hairtails” belong to the tropical marine fauna, and although
generally found in the vicinity of land, they wander frequently out to
sea, perhaps merely because they follow some ocean-currents.
Therefore they are not rarely found in the temperate zone, the
common West Indian species (T. lepturus), for instance, on the coast
of England. They attain to a length of about four feet. The number of
their vertebræ is very large, as many as 160, and more. Six species
are known.
Epinnula.—Body rather elongate, covered with minute scales,[*.
see below] The first dorsal fin continuous, with spines of moderate
strength, and extending on to the second; finlets none; ventrals well
developed. Lateral lines two. Teeth of the jaws strong; palatine teeth,
none.
The “Domine” of the Havannah, E. magistralis.
Thyrsites.—Body rather elongate, for the greater part naked. The
first dorsal continuous, with the spines of moderate strength, and
extending on to the second. From two to six finlets behind the dorsal
and anal. Several strong teeth in the jaws; teeth on the palatine
bones.
The species of this genus attain to a considerable size (from four
to five feet), and are valuable food fishes; Th. atun from the Cape of
Good Hope, South Australia, New Zealand, and Chili, is preserved,
pickled or smoked. In New Zealand it is called “Barracuda” or
“Snoek,” and exported from the colony into Mauritius and Batavia as
a regular article of commerce, being worth over £17 a ton; Th.
pretiosus, the “Escholar” of the Havannah, from the Mediterranean,
the neighbouring parts of the Atlantic, and the West Indies; Th.
prometheus from Madeira, Bermuda, St. Helena, and Polynesia; Th.
solandri from Amboyna and Tasmania is probably the same as Th.
prometheus.
Young specimens of this (or, perhaps, the following) genus have
been described as Dicrotus. In them the finlets are not yet detached
from the rest of the fin; and the ventral fins, which are entirely
obsolete in the adult fish, are represented by a long crenulated
spine.
Gempylus.—Body very elongate, scaleless. The first dorsal fin
continuous, with thirty and more spines, and extending on to the
second. Six finlets behind the dorsal and anal. Several strong teeth in
the jaws, none on the palate.
One species (G. serpens), inhabiting considerable depths of the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Family—Palæorhynchidæ.
This family has been formed for two extinct genera:
Palæorhynchus from the schists of Glaris, and Hemirhynchus from
tertiary formations near Paris. These genera resemble much the
Trichiuridæ in their long, compressed body, and long vertical fins, but
their jaws, which are produced into a long beak, are toothless, or
provided with very small teeth. The dorsal fin extends the whole
length of the back, and the anal reaches from the vent nearly to the
caudal, which is forked. The ventrals are composed of several rays
and thoracic. The vertebræ long, slender, and numerous, and, like all
the bones of the skeleton, thin, indicating that these fishes were
inhabitants of considerable depths of the ocean. Both the jaws of
Palæorhynchus are prolonged into a beak, whilst in Hemirhynchus
the upper exceeds the lower in length.
First Family—Acronuridæ.
Body compressed, oblong or elevated, covered with minute
scales. Tail generally armed with one or more bony plates or spines,
which are developed with age, but absent in very young individuals.
Eye lateral, of moderate size. Mouth small; a single series of more or
less compressed, sometimes denticulated, sometimes pointed
incisors in each jaw; palate toothless. One dorsal fin, the spinous
portion being less developed than the soft; anal with two or three
spines; ventral fins thoracic. Air-bladder forked posteriorly. Intestines
with more or less numerous circumvolutions. Nine abdominal, and
thirteen caudal vertebræ.
Inhabitants of the tropical seas, and most abundant on coral-
reefs. They feed either on vegetable substances or on the superficial
animal matter of corals.
Extinct species of Acanthurus and Naseus have been discovered
in the Monte Bolca formation.
Acanthurus.—Jaws with a single series of lobate incisors, which
are sometimes movable. An erectile spine hidden in a groove on each
side of the tail. Ventral fins with one spine and generally five rays.
Scales ctenoid, sometimes with minute spines. Branchiostegals five.
The fishes of this genus, which sometimes are termed
“Surgeons,” are readily recognised by the sharp lancet-shaped spine
with which each side of the tail is armed. When at rest the spine is
hidden in a sheath; but it can be erected and used by the fish as a
very dangerous weapon, by striking with the tail towards the right
and left. “Surgeons” occur in all tropical seas, with the exception of
the eastern part of the Pacific, where they disappear with the corals.
They do not attain to any size, the largest species scarcely
exceeding a length of eighteen inches. Many are agreeably or
showily coloured, the ornamental colours being distributed in very
extraordinary patterns. The larger species are eatable, and some
even esteemed as food. It is stated that the fry of some species
periodically approaches, in immense numbers, the coasts of some of
the South Sea Islands (Caroline Archipelago), and serves as an
important article of food to the natives. Nearly fifty species are
known.
Fig. 193.—Acanthurus leucosternum, Indian Ocean.
At an early period of their growth these fishes present so different
an aspect that they were considered a distinct genus, Acronurus.
The form of the body is more circular and exceedingly compressed.
No scales are developed, but the skin forms numerous oblique
parallel folds. The gill-cover and the breast are shining silvery.
Naseus.—Tail with two (rarely one or three) bony keeled plates on
each side (in the adult). Head sometimes with a bony horn or crest-
like prominence directed forwards. Ventral fins composed of one spine
and three rays. From four to six spines in the dorsal; two anal spines.
Scales minute, rough, forming a sort of fine shagreen. Air-bladder
forked behind. Intestinal tract with many circumvolutions.
Twelve species are known from the tropical Indo-Pacific, but
none of them extend eastwards beyond the Sandwich Islands. In
their mode of life these fishes resemble the Acanthuri. Likewise, the
young have a very different appearance, and are unarmed, and were
described as a distinct genus, Keris. One of the most common
species is N. unicornis, which, when adult (22 inches long), has a
horn about 2 inches long, whilst it is merely a projection in front of
the eye in individuals of 7 inches in length.
Prionurus is an allied genus with a series of several keeled bony
laminæ on each side of the tail.
Second Family—Carangidæ.
Body more or less compressed, oblong or elevated, covered with
small scales or naked; eye, lateral. Teeth, if present, conical. No
bony stay for the præoperculum. The spinous dorsal is less
developed than the soft or than the anal, either continuous with, or
separated from, the soft portion; sometimes rudimentary. Ventrals
thoracic, sometimes rudimentary or entirely absent. No prominent
papilla near the vent. Gill-opening wide. Ten abdominal and fourteen
caudal vertebræ.
Fig. 195.—Semiophoris velitans.
Inhabitants of tropical and temperate seas. Carnivorous. They
appear first in cretaceous formations, where they are represented by
Platax and some Caranx-like genera (Vomer and Aipichthys from the
chalk of Comen in Istria). They are more numerous in various
Tertiary formations, especially in the strata of Monte Bolca, where
some still existing genera occur, as Zanclus, Platax, Caranx
(Carangopsis), Argyriosus (Vomer), Lichia, Trachynotus. Of the
extinct genera the following belong to this family:—Pseudovomer
(Licata), Amphistium, Archæus, Ductor, Plionemus (?), and
Semiophorus. Equula has been recently discovered in the Miocene
marls of Licata in Sicily.
Caranx (including Trachurus).—Body more or less compressed,
sometimes sub-cylindrical. Cleft of the mouth of moderate width. The
first dorsal fin continuous, with about eight feeble spines, sometimes
rudimentary; the soft dorsal and anal are succeeded by finlets in a few
species. Two anal spines, somewhat remote from the fin. Scales very
small. Lateral line with an anterior curved, and a posterior straight,
portion, either entirely or posteriorly only covered by large plate-like
scales, several of which are generally keeled, the keel ending in a
spine. Dentition feeble. Air-bladder forked posteriorly.
These fishes are often called “Yellow-tails,” and occur in nearly all
the temperate and tropical seas, sometimes at a great distance from
land. Twelve species are known, and the majority have a wide
geographical range. The larger grow to a length of from four to five
feet, and are esteemed as food, especially at St. Helena, the Cape
of Good Hope, in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Seriolella and Seriolichthys, the latter from the Indo-Pacific, and
distinguished by a finlet behind the dorsal and anal, are allied
genera.
Naucrates.—Body oblong, sub-cylindrical, covered with small
scales; a keel on each side of the tail. The spinous dorsal consists of
a few short free spines; finlets none. Villiform teeth in the jaws, on the
vomer and palatine bones.
The “Pilot-fish” (N. ductor) is a truly pelagic fish, known in all
tropical and temperate seas. Its name is derived from its habit of
keeping company with ships and large fish, especially Sharks. It is
the Pompilus of the ancients, who describe it as pointing out the way
to dubious or embarrassed sailors, and as announcing the vicinity of
land by its sudden disappearance. It was therefore regarded as a
sacred fish. The connection between the Shark and the Pilot-fish has
received various interpretations, some observers having perhaps
added more sentiment than is warranted by the actual facts. It was
stated that the Shark never seized the Pilot-fish, that the latter was of
great use to its big companion in conducting it and showing it the
way to its food. Dr. Meyen in his “Reise um die Erde” states: “The
pilot swims constantly in front of the Shark; we ourselves have seen
three instances in which the Shark was led by the Pilot. When the
Shark neared the ship the Pilot swam close to the snout, or near one
of the pectoral fins of the animal. Sometimes he darted rapidly
forwards or sidewards as if looking for something, and constantly
went back again to the Shark. When we threw overboard a piece of
bacon fastened on a great hook, the Shark was about twenty paces
from the ship. With the quickness of lightning the Pilot came up,
smelt at the dainty, and instantly swam back again to the Shark,
swimming many times round his snout and splashing, as if to give
him exact information as to the bacon. The Shark now began to put
himself in motion, the Pilot showing him the way, and in a moment
he was fast upon the hook.[42] Upon a later occasion we observed
two Pilots in sedulous attendance on a Blue Shark, which we caught
in the Chinese Sea. It seems probable that the Pilot feeds on the
Sharks’ excrements, keeps his company for that purpose, and
directs his operations solely from this selfish view.” We believe that
Dr. Meyen’s opinion, as expressed in his last words, is perfectly
correct. The Pilot obtains a great part of his food directly from the
Shark, in feeding on the parasitic crustaceans with which Sharks and
other large fish are infested, and on the smaller pieces of flesh which
are left unnoticed by the Shark when it tears its prey. The Pilot also,
being a small fish, obtains greater security when in company of a
Shark, which would keep at a distance all other fishes of prey that
would be likely to prove dangerous to the Pilot. Therefore, in
accompanying the Shark, the Pilot is led by the same instinct which
makes it follow a ship. With regard to the statement that the Pilot
itself is never attacked by the Shark all observers agree as to its
truth; but this may be accounted for in the same way as the impunity
of the swallow from the hawk, the Pilot-fish being too nimble for the
unwieldy Shark.
The Pilot-fish does not always leave the vessels on their
approach to land. In summer, when the temperature of the sea-water
is several degrees above the average, Pilots will follow ships to the
south coast of England into the harbour, where they are generally
speedily caught. Pilot-fish attain a length of 12 inches only. When
very young their appearance differs so much from the mature fish
that they have been described as a distinct genus, Nauclerus. This
fry is exceedingly common in the open ocean, and constantly
obtained in the tow-net; therefore the Pilot-fish retains its pelagic
habits also during the spawning season, and some of the spawn
found by voyagers floating on the surface is, without doubt, derived
from this species.
Chorinemus.—Body compressed, oblong; covered with small
scales, singularly shaped, lanceolate, and hidden in the skin. The first
dorsal is formed by free spines in small numbers; the posterior rays of
the second dorsal and anal are detached finlets. Small teeth in the
jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones.
Twelve species are known from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific;
some enter brackish water, whilst others are more numerous at