Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Temporomandibular joint fractures in dogs and cats diagnosis
By Arzi, Boaz·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2023·Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Contemporary management of temporomandibular joint fractures in dogs and cats: review and expert insights on diagnostic imaging, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes.
Plain-English summary
A dog or cat with a broken jaw joint (temporomandibular joint fracture) may have trouble eating, opening their mouth, or showing signs of pain. To diagnose the issue, vets often use advanced imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options can include surgery to fix the joint or a more conservative approach, depending on the pet's age, overall health, and the severity of the fracture. The goal is to help the pet return to normal eating and chewing as quickly as possible. With proper care, many pets can recover well, but there may be risks of complications like infection or long-term joint issues.
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Abstract
Management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fractures is challenging and is a subject of ongoing discussions and controversies in both the veterinary and human medical fields. Regardless of the management strategy, obtaining precise diagnostic imaging in the form of conventional or cone-beam computed tomography and potentially magnetic resonance imaging is pivotal for medical and surgical decision-making and prognostic purposes. The main objective of TMJ fracture management is a rapid return to normal function via restoration of pretrauma occlusion, range of motion, and masticatory function. With that in mind, it is prudent to distinguish between surgical interventions, such as condylectomy and open reduction with internal fixation, or to elect a conservative management approach. Given the diversity in TMJ fracture and patient circumstances, such as age, concomitant trauma, financial situation, and availability of expertise, the formulation of an individualized treatment plan is recommended. Knowledge of potential short- and long-term complications such as infection, malocclusion, ankylosis, fibrosis, and osteoarthritis is essential during TMJ fracture management. Importantly, as our clinical and research knowledge on managing TMJ fractures in dogs and cats grows, we rely on comparative evidence-based overviews, and inspirations from human medical experts to advance the veterinary field. Hence, this review discusses contemporary approaches to managing TMJ fractures and the outcomes in dogs and cats from a one-health perspective.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37321592/