Surgical Procedures of the Psittacine Skull

摘要

The form and function of the psittacine skull is complex. The biomechanics of cranial kinesis and lower mandibular function are related to an intricate combination of 13 synovial joints, numerous linkage ligaments, and 8 major pairs of muscles. Abnormal delivery of force vectors across these joints of cranial kinesis can result in abnormal keratin wear, leading to progressive augmentation of malocclusion and beak deformities. Corrective beak remodeling, focused on a balanced approach or improving andnormalizing delivery of force vectors, can result in a normalization of, or a low frequency maintenance procedural schedule for many birds. Chronic forms of sinusitis, bony deformities of the skull, and injuries all may necessitate surgical interventionin parrots. Luxation of the palatine bone can be corrected by ventrally directed force applied to the palatine bone with an intramedullary pin while the upper mandible is forcefully overextended. Surgical approaches to the infraorbital sinus can be performed comparatively easily, enabling access to many aspects of this sinus, and to the pterygoid and jugal bones. Surgical placement of pins transversely through the frontal bones can be used to provide a fulcrum with which force can be delivered for thesurgical address of some selected beak deformities. Trephination can be used to enable access to sinus spaces within the maxilla and frontal bones.