Computed tomographic anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in the young horse.

The research focuses on developing a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging protocol to better understand the anatomy of the young horse’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and nearby structures, using frozen and plastinated sections as a comparison. The results depict that while CT can effectively display the bone structure, the display of soft tissue is more challenging.

Research Methodology

The research methods employed in the study included:

• Using eight temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from four immature pure-bred Spanish horses for CT scanning.
• Processing the CT scans using a detailed algorithm to enhance the visualization of both bony and soft tissue structures.
• Reformatting the transverse CT images into sagittal and dorsal planes.
• Acquiring, photographing, and plastinating transverse, sagittal, and dorsal cryosections.
• Identifying and correlating relevant anatomical structures in the CT images and corresponding anatomical sections.

Research Findings

The study yielded the following key insights:

• CT images provided excellent detail of bone structures of the TMJ. However, the soft tissue components were not as effectively visualized via a soft tissue window.
• The articular cartilage was distinguished as a hyperattenuating strip over the lower attenuated subchondral bone, and a clear demarcation was obtained between the cortex and medulla.
• The proximity of the tympanic and petrous part of the temporal bone (middle and inner ear), and the temporohyoid joint to the TMJ was also verified.

Conclusion and Future Scope

The research concluded that helical CT delivered high-quality images of the bone components of the TMJ, facilitating a thorough understanding of its normal anatomy. However, further studies have been suggested on mature individuals to ensure that clinical interpretation is not biased by alterations that occur with aging. The detailed anatomical information provided through this study can work as a useful reference for equine veterinarians conducting CT investigations and could aid in diagnosing disorders related to the TMJ and nearby structures like the middle and inner ear.