Computed tomographic assessment of equine maxillary cheek teeth anatomical relationships, and paranasal sinus volumes.

The study investigates the age-related changes in the positioning and structure of horse teeth and paranasal sinuses with the aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of related disorders. Computed tomography scans of 60 equine cadaver heads were used for detailed imaging.

Objective

• The primary objective of the study was to understand the changes that occur with age in the anatomical relationships of maxillary cheek teeth in horses with the infraorbital canal and maxillary septum. It also aimed to measure the volumes of different sinus compartments.

Data Collection

• The research was carried out using 60 normal equine cadaver heads, with their age determined through examination of their dentition. These cadaver heads were subjected to Computed Tomography (CT) scans for detailed imaging.

Analysis

• Following the scanning, researchers conducted a gross examination to assess the intrasinal position of the cheek teeth, the length of reserve crowns, the structural relationship with the infraorbital canal, measurements for rostral drift, and volumes of individual sinus compartments.

Findings

• The study found that in 60% of cases, the alveoli of Triadan 10 teeth were either fully or partially located in the rostral maxillary sinus (RMS).
• It was also observed that the infraorbital canal was located directly on the medial aspect of the alveolar apex particularly in younger horses.
• Furthermore, it was noted that the clinical crowns and apices of Triadan 11 teeth had drifted a mean distance of 2.48 cm and 2.83 cm respectively more towards the rostral from the orbit. This was especially prevalent in horses that were older than 15 years compared to those under 6 years of age.
• The mean volumes of various sinus compartments ranged from 175 cm (for the caudal maxillary sinus, or CMS) to 4 cm (for the ethmoidal sinus, or ES).

Significance

• The findings of this study provide essential information valuable in the diagnosis and treatment of equine dental and sinus disorders. These results can serve as reference values for further studies in this field.