References
CPD article: Arthropathy of the temporomandibular joint: a diagnostic challenge
Abstract
Equine temporomandibular joint arthropathy has been described as an underlying cause of various clinical signs. The anatomy of this incongruent joint is well described, as well as its appearance on different imaging modalities. However, pathologies of this joint are rare. This article provides an overview of the literature. Multiple possible aetiologies of temporomandibular joint arthropathy are not supported by current research and must be revised. Likewise, the imaging diagnosis or the classification of clinically relevant findings is difficult. A critical examination of this disease, including multiple diagnostic modalities, should be carried out to verify the clinical significance of findings in every case.
The term arthropathy includes all diseases of the joint, and equine temporomandibular joint arthropathy has been described as a potential underlying cause of a diverse collection of clinical signs including changes in accepting the bit, gait abnormalities, sour attitude, headshaking, atrophy of the masseter muscle (Sanders et al, 2014), pain on palpation, and masticatory problems (Patterson et al, 1989; Nagy and Simhofer, 2006). However, diseases of the temporomandibular joint such as non-septic osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease (Stadtbäumer and Boening, 2002; Smyth et al, 2017) are rarely reported. Most single case reports describe septic arthritis (Patterson et al, 1989; Warmerdam et al, 1997; Carmalt and Wilson, 2005; Devine et al, 2005; Nagy and Simhofer, 2006; Barnett et al, 2013; Balducci et al, 2019; Frietman et al, 2019) (Figures 1 and 2) or joint luxation (Hurtig et al, 1984; Hardy and Shiroma, 1991; Devine et al, 2005).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting UK-VET Equine and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.