Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joint development begins during the embryonic stage and occurs alongside bone formation.

The development of synovial joints in the limbs start from the limb buds, which develop from the mesenchyme and appear on each side of the embryo after four weeks.

During the sixth week, the limb buds elongate, where the mesenchyme develops into hyaline cartilage and forms the cartilaginous model of the bone.

The region between adjacent cartilaginous models is called the joint interzone. At the center of the joint interzone, the death of mesenchymal cells results in the formation of the joint cavity, where the synovial joints develop.

Mesenchymal cells surrounding the joint interzone form the articular capsule and the supporting ligaments.

Around the twelfth week, the cartilaginous model transforms into the bone in a process called endochondral ossification.

At birth, ossification is complete, and by eight weeks, the synovial joints of an infant resemble those of an adult.