A complementary radiographic projection of the equine temporomandibular joint.

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.