Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mandibular condylectomy and meniscectomy for the treatment of septic temporomandibular joint arthritis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Nagy, Amy Dae & Simhofer, Hubert
- Affiliation:
- Clinic for Surgery and Ophthalmology
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A two-year-old Noriker filly was treated for a severe infection in her jaw joint, which was causing painful swelling, trouble eating, and difficulty opening her mouth. After using a special imaging test to confirm the problem, veterinarians performed surgery to remove the damaged parts of the joint. Following the surgery, the filly showed significant improvement, with no signs of the infection and a full return to normal jaw function. At follow-up appointments four months and one year later, she could open her mouth wide and had no issues with her teeth alignment. Overall, the surgery was successful in treating her condition.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report use of mandibular condylectomy for treatment of advanced degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by sepsis. DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMALS: Two-year-old Noriker filly. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) was used to confirm advanced degenerative joint disease of the left TMJ and for follow-up after mandibular condylectomy and removal of necrotic meniscus. RESULTS: Painful swelling (3 weeks duration) with drainage located just caudal to the left lateral canthus of the eye was associated with atrophy of the left masseter muscle, masticatory problems, and inappetence. There was incisor malocclusion with a 1.4 cm resting lateral mandibular deviation to the right and inability to open the mouth more than a few centimeters. Left mandibular condylectomy combined with meniscectomy and thorough debridement of the septic left TMJ resulted in resolution of clinical signs and complete return of function. Streptococcus zooepidemicus, intermediately resistant to penicillin and subsequently to enrofloxacin, was isolated from the wound. Regeneration of a mandibular "pseudocondyle" was evident on CT at 4 months. At 4 months and 1 year the filly had maximal mouth opening >10 cm and no malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Mandibular condylectomy can be used to facilitate management of septic TMJ arthritis. There was no radiologic or clinical evidence of TMJ ankylosis >1 year after meniscal removal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mandibular condylectomy, including meniscectomy, is an acceptable treatment option for advanced TMJ septic arthritis and allowed return of normal masticatory function.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026552/