Corkscrew Technique for Extraction of Premolars and Molars in Standing Sedated Horses: Cadaveric Study and Clinical Cases.

Authors: Ferreira Joao D, Méndez-Angulo José L

Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI

DOI: 10.3390/ani14101439 PubMed: 38791657Log in to save

Summary

# Corkscrew Technique for Cheek Tooth Extraction in Standing Sedated Horses Oral extraction of cheek teeth in standing sedated horses remains a priority for many equine practitioners seeking to minimise anaesthetic risk, yet the available techniques have variable success rates and complications. Researchers developed and tested a corkscrew extraction technique (CSET) by first performing 16 extraction attempts on eight cadaver heads (achieving 75% success), then applying the method to 25 clinical procedures across 24 horses between 2016 and 2020, recording extraction duration, tooth fractures, screw thread stripping, postoperative complications, and one-year outcomes. The technique succeeded in 76% of clinical cases, with primary failures attributable to intraoperative tooth fractures and screw thread stripping; superior premolars and molars comprised the majority of cases, with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications reported. For practitioners seeking viable standing sedation extraction methods, CSET presents a reasonably safe alternative with success rates comparable to other oral techniques, though meticulous technique—particularly consistent longitudinal drilling alignment—appears essential to avoid mechanical failures. Understanding this method's biomechanical requirements and failure modes will help farriers and vets refine patient selection and drilling protocols to optimise outcomes and reduce complications in clinical practice.

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Practical Takeaways

•The corkscrew technique offers a viable oral extraction option for cheek teeth in standing sedated horses with success rates exceeding 75%
•Proper longitudinal drilling technique is critical—inadequate drilling leads to tooth fractures and screw thread stripping failures
•Practitioners should be prepared for potential complications requiring alternative extraction methods in approximately 24% of cases

Key Findings

•CSET achieved 75% success rate in cadaveric study (16 procedures in 8 skulls) and 76% success rate in clinical cases (25 procedures in 24 horses)
•Tooth fractures and screw thread stripping were the major complications causing CSET failure
•Longitudinal drilling is essential for successful CSET technique execution
•CSET is safe to perform in standing sedated horses with successful extraction of 22 superior and 3 inferior cheek teeth

Conditions Studied

cheek tooth (premolar and molar) disease requiring extraction

Related References

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