Hypothesis One: Joint Malformation In this case, the femoral head may not fit into the acetabulum properly due to faulty development. This results in joint laxity and subsequent subluxation. Abrasion between the femoral head and acetabulum causes the articular cartilage to undergo degeneration. As time goes by, the body tries to stabilize the joint by thickening the joint capsule. Increased stress in the joint may lead to thickened cancellous trebeculae and osteophyte development. Despite the bodyÕs attempts to stabilize the joint, degenerative changes continue. These changes and abnormal anatomy of the joint would result in pain. Many of JocelynÕs clinical signs correlate with this condition, such as disproportionate amount of weight being carried in forelegs, hip joint pain during palpation that was more obvious during extension than flexion, reduced hip range of motion, and a positive Ortalani sign.