The prevalence of temporal bone fractures is high in horses with severe temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

The research is about the high occurrence of temporal bone fractures in horses suffering from severe temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, a cause of neurological disease in horses.

Objective of the research

• The study aims to assess the prevalence of temporal bone fractures related to temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in horses, describe their specific configurations, and associated clinical and imaging features. This research is retrospective and analytical.

Findings of the research

• The research found out that fractures of the temporal bone were identified in 16 out of the 39 horses included in the study. These fractures were identified using Computer Tomography (CT).
• All identified fractures extended through the temporal bone in a rostrodorsal to caudoventral orientation and they were all unilateral and minimally displaced.
• Two types of fractures were identified in the study. In some cases, the fracture extended the full width of the petrous pyramid and into the cranial vault. In other cases, the fracture only extended through the lateral part of the petrous temporal bone and did not involve the cranial vault.
• Fusion of the temporohyoid joint was present in 13 out of the 16 fracture cases. This is a significant finding because it indicates a possible relationship between fusion of the temporohyoid joint and the occurrence of fractures.
• Quarter Horses appeared to be most prone to these fractures, accounting for 14 out of 16 cases.
• All horses identified with fractures presented with neurologic deficits on the same side as the fracture.

Outcomes and Implications of the research

• There was no significant difference in the outcomes between horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy with and without temporal bone fractures. The study found that six out of the nine horses with cranial vault involvement did not return to their previous use.
• These findings affirm the importance of careful assessment of the temporal bones for concurrent fractures when diagnosing temporohyoid osteoarthropathy using CT images. This is specifically important when there is a fusion of the temporohyoid joint.
• The research also raises awareness about the specific fracture configurations, which could help in early detection and treatment of these fractures.