Contrast arthrography of the equine temporomandibular joint.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research article discusses the development of a technique for contrast arthrography in horse temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This method aims to fill knowledge gaps in the understanding of soft tissue structures within these joints, presenting a more affordable and accessible approach compared to current modalities. The procedure has been tested on cadaveric equine heads and subsequently validated on three living horses.
Objective of the Study
The research aims to uncover and test a simple, cost-effective method of arthrography for both compartments of the TMJ in horses. Arthrography involves using a contrast agent (a special dye) to create detailed images of joints. This technique holds the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders in horses by providing a deeper understanding of the soft tissue structures within the joint.
Methods
The researchers conducted contrast arthrography of two specific compartments of the TMJ – the discomandibular and discotemporal joint compartments – using 12 cadaveric equine heads. The procedure involved:
- Placement of needles into the caudal pouches of the joint compartments
- Imaging of the joints using a set of specific radiographic techniques with the horse’s mouth both open and closed
- Injecting air into the joints to run a double-contrast study
Following this, the procedure was performed on three living horses to assess its feasibility and tolerance in live animals.
Findings
The research findings indicate that single and double-contrast arthrography can help to illustrate the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the intra-articular disc in addition to filling the rostral and caudal joint pouches of the independent joint compartments. However, the procedure has its limitations:
- Contrast leakage or extravasation was a common occurrence.
- In two cases, the procedure resulted in iatrogenic (caused by medical examination or treatment) disc perforation which led to a false diagnosis of pathologic disc perforation.
Nevertheless, the techniques were well accepted by all three live horses, demonstrating the procedure’s potential as a diagnostic tool.
Limitations and Conclusion
The study was conducted on a small number of horses, which might limit the applicability of its findings across a broader range of cases and scenarios. Despite demonstrating the capability of contrast arthrography in interpreting intra-articular soft tissue structures, the researchers caution against its use for diagnosing intra-articular disc perforation. They further noted that accessing the discomandibular joint can be challenging even with experience.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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