A complementary radiographic projection of the equine temporomandibular joint.
Abstract: The complexity of the equine skull makes the temporomandibular joint a difficult area to evaluate radiographically. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal angle for a complementary radiographic projection of the equine temporomandibular joint based on a computed tomography (CT) cadaver study. CT was performed on six equine cadaver heads of horses that were euthanized for other reasons than temporomandibular joint disease. After the CT examination, 3D reconstruction of the equine skull was performed to subjectively determine the angle for a complementary radiographic projection of the temporomandibular joint. The angle was measured on the left and right temporomandibular joint of each head. Based on the measurements obtained from the CT images, a radiographic projection of the temporomandibular joint in a rostra-145 degrees ventral-caudodorsal oblique (R45 degrees V-CdDO) direction was developed by placing the X-ray unit 30 degrees laterally, maintaining at the same time the R45 degrees V-CdDO angle (R45 degrees V30 degrees L-CdDLO). This radiographic projection was applied to all cadaver heads and on six live horses. In three of the live horses abnormal findings associated with the temporomandibular joint were detected. We conclude that this new radiographic projection of the temporomandibular joint provides superior visualization of the temporomandibular joint space and the articular surface of the mandibular condyle.
Publication Date: 2009-08-25 PubMed ID: 19697603DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01554.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article discusses the development of a new radiographic angle for imaging the temporomandibular joint in horses. This technique, based on a computed tomography cadaver study, proved effective in visualizing the joint space and the articular surface of the mandibular condyle.
Computation Tomography (CT) Cadaver Study
- The study was initiated by performing computed tomography (CT) on six equine cadaver heads. The horses chosen for this study weren’t euthanized due to temporomandibular joint disease, ensuring that the joints were disease-free.
- After the CT scan, a 3D reconstruction of the equine skull was performed. This was done to determine subjectively the optimal angle for a complementary radiographic projection of the temporomandibular joint.
- Angles were measured on both the left and right temporomandibular joints to gain comprehensive data.
Development of the Radiographic Projection
- The researchers determined the optimal radiographic projection of the temporomandibular joint based on their measurements from the CT images.
- An oblique radiographic projection was developed by setting the X-ray unit at 30 degrees laterally while maintaining an angle of 145 degrees in the rostral ventral-caudodorsal direction.
- This radiographic projection was not only applied to all cadaver heads but also utilized on six live horses. This was done to validate the findings of the CT cadaver study in actual clinical conditions.
Results and Conclusion
- By using this new radiographic projection, abnormalities associated with the temporomandibular joint were successfully detected in three out of the six live horses.
- This novel radiographic projection was concluded to offer superior visualization of the temporomandibular joint space and the articular surface of the mandibular condyle.
- Hence, the study offers a new, effective technique for radiographic inspection of the equine temporomandibular joint, which can aid in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular diseases in horses more accurately.
Cite This Article
APA
Ebling AJ, McKnight AL, Seiler G, Kircher PR.
(2009).
A complementary radiographic projection of the equine temporomandibular joint.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 50(4), 385-391.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01554.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Section of Sports Medicine and Imaging, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional / veterinary
- Male
- Temporomandibular Joint / diagnostic imaging
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Carmalt JL, Pimentel KL. The Equine Temporomandibular Joint: Comparisons Between Standard and Needle Arthroscopic Examination of Cadaver Specimens and Standing Horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:876041.
- Veerasammy B, Delli-Rocili M, Jensen M, Cribb N, Zur Linden A. Diagnostic imaging of a basihyoid bone fracture and partial avulsion of the medial pterygoid muscle in a horse. Can Vet J 2020 Jan;61(1):44-48.
- Jasiński T, Turek B, Kaczorowski M, Brehm W, Skierbiszewska K, Domino M. Equine temporomandibular joint diseases: A systematic review. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1427-1445.
- Kim CS, Reisbig NA, Carmalt JL. Contrast arthrography of the equine temporomandibular joint. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1368131.
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