Hey guys. I happened upon this message board tonight while searching around for some various things I need to for a project I'm working on. The project is to design an artificial joint for an animal and a joint that one doesn't already exist for. My group chose an elk knee joint(one of the hind legs).

Well, the only trouble we've run in to is actually finding information on the exact anatomy of the knee, and the forces the artificial join would need to be able to withstand(the second part can wait until much later on I'm not much worried about it right now). Thus, when I came across this board, I figured it was worth a shot. I was wondering if by any odd and elusive chance if anyone might have or know anyone that might have either a hind leg or an elk, or maybe even just the knee area. I'd pay shipping costs and all.

Anyways, sorry to intrude onto the board. Thanks for all of your help.

have ya checked at some of your local schools or with your local biologist? just an idea.....

If I find a winter kill in the next couple of weeks I'll let you know.

Just a shot - call "The Buck Stops Here" outside of Pagosa Springs Colorado. They butcher 100's of deer and elk every year. Might be worth a shot ...

I'm guessing you are a student at Vanderbuilt. Anyways, go to
www.ncsu.edu
From here, you should be able to find out how to contact our Vet School. They may be able to help you.

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I am a student at Vandy. Lilhunter, I'm looking into those possibilities. I just thought about this possibility around 1 or so last night(right before I came across this board), and thus I couldn't just start calling around at that time of night. Thanks to all the rest of you who have replied as well.

As a vet, I have anatomy books with drawings/pictures of ruminant stifle (knee) joints that I can scan and send you if you think that will help. Email me if you are interested. Also, you can research the weight of an adult elk at several places including the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Go into their NDIS site. A rule of thumb is that 60-65% of an animal's weight is supported by the front legs (35-40 by the rear legs).

For a real one, check with private elk ranches.