Mandibular fractures in 17 dogs and in eight cats were managed using external skeletal
fixation (ESF) with acrylic or epoxy resin connecting bars. In order to maintain dental
occlusion during fracture repair pha- ryngostomy or tracheostomy was performed in
12 dogs and in six cats to permit inhalational anaesthesia during surgery. All of
the fractures healed with the exception of fractures in two dogs. Mandibular external
skeletal fixation was well tolerated and there was not any evidence of iatrogenic
damage to teeth nor to neurovascular structures within the mandible. Implant loosening
was commonly observed at the time of fixator removal, but it did not affect the outcome.
Keywords
Mandible - fracture - ESF