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Analysis of conformational variations of the cricoid cartilages in Thoroughbred horses using computed tomography.
Abstract: Loss of arytenoid abduction is a common post operative complication of laryngoplasty without a definitive cause. It has been a clinical impression during laryngoplasty surgery that there is great conformational variability along the caudal edge of the Thoroughbred cricoid cartilage that could impact post operative retention of suture position. A change in suture position would probably lead to some loss of abduction. Defining any structural variability of the cricoid would be an initial step in determining whether this variability could impact on the retention of suture position. Objective: Anatomical variations in the larynx of Thoroughbred horses may be detected and measured using objective analysis and computed tomography. Methods: Larynges were harvested from 15 mature Thoroughbred horses. Helical CT scans were performed on each specimen. Three independent observers performed a series of measurements on 2D and 3D reconstruction images using digital software. Measurements included the lateral cricoid angle, the caudal cricoid prominences, the distance to the cricoid slope, the angle of the cricoarytenoid joints (CAJ), the cricoid thickness and the suture angle. Mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and linear regression analysis were performed among all observers and all measurements. Results: Notable conformational differences were evident on the 3D reconstructions. The highest degree of variability was found in 3 measurements: the distance to the lateral cricoid slope, the lateral cricoid angle and the cricoid thickness. A larger left CAJ angle directly and significantly correlated with a larger suture angle. Conclusions: There are notable conformational differences among cricoid specimens in the Thoroughbred larynx. Conclusions: The morphometric differences identified may impact on optimal prosthesis placement and long-term retention. Since a larger lateral cricoid angle may facilitate abduction loss secondary to a displaced and loosened suture, alternative techniques for suture placement may be of value to prevent arytenoid abduction loss.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-05-20 PubMed ID: 21592220DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00070.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research examines the anatomical variations in the larynx of Thoroughbred horses using computed tomography, to investigate if these variations could affect surgical outcomes. The study found significant physical differences in key laryngeal structures, which may influence the success of surgical procedures.
Study Objectives and Methods
- The key objective of the study was to determine whether there are anatomical variations in the Thoroughbred horse larynx that could influence the outcome of a common surgical procedure, laryngoplasty. In some cases, post-operative complications occur, including loss of ‘arytenoid abduction’ (the ability to widen the airway), and the researchers hypothesized that variations in the structure of the larynx could influence this.
- The method used involved harvesting larynxes from 15 mature Thoroughbred horses and performing Helical CT scans on each one. Digital software was used to perform measurements on the 2D and 3D images generated.
- Several measurements were taken, including the lateral cricoid angle, caudal cricoid prominences, distance to the cricoid slope, angle of the cricoarytenoid joints (CAJ), cricoid thickness, and suture angle.
Key Findings
- Notable conformational differences were found among the cricoid specimens in the horses’ larynxes. The highest degree of variability was found in the distance to the lateral cricoid slope, the lateral cricoid angle and the cricoid thickness.
- The researchers found a significant correlation between a larger left CAJ angle and a larger suture angle, implying that the anatomical variability could indeed affect surgical outcomes.
Conclusions and Implications
- It was concluded that anatomical variances in the Thoroughbred horse larynx could potentially affect the positioning and retention of the prosthesis post-surgery. In particular, a larger lateral cricoid angle could lead to loss of arytenoid abduction due to displaced and loosened sutures post-surgery.
- This implies that alternative techniques for suture placement may be needed to prevent such complications. As such, understanding these variances could have implications for surgical practice and may help improve outcomes for laryngoplasty in Thoroughbred horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Dahlberg JA, Valdes-Martinez A, Boston RC, Parente EJ.
(2011).
Analysis of conformational variations of the cricoid cartilages in Thoroughbred horses using computed tomography.
Equine Vet J, 43(2), 229-234.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00070.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cricoid Cartilage / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Byrne CA, Hotchkiss JW, Barakzai SZ. Variations in the application of equine prosthetic laryngoplasty: A survey of 128 equine surgeons. Vet Surg 2023 Feb;52(2):209-220.
- Arencibia A, Corbera JA, Ramírez G, Díaz-Bertrana ML, Pitti L, Morales M, Jaber JR. Anatomical Assessment of the Thorax in the Neonatal Foal Using Computed Tomography Angiography, Sectional Anatomy, and Gross Dissections. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 17;10(6).
- Ysebaert MP, Johnson J, Marie U, Campos A, Verchrerin A, Ducharme NG, Rossignol F, Luedke LK. Biomechanical testing of three constructs for prosthetic laryngoplasty in horses demonstrates advantages of differing metallic implants in the arytenoid cartilage. Vet Surg 2026 Jan;55(1):69-77.
- Martre P, Mulot B, Roussel E, Leclerc A. Evolutionary Specializations in the Venous Anatomy of the Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus): Insights from CT-scan 3D Reconstructions. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 12;14(12).
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