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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(01): 54-58
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-01-0001
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Locking compression plate osteosynthesis of complicated mandibular fractures in six horses

J. M. Kuemmerle
1   Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
M. Kummer
1   Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
J. A. Auer
1   Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
D. Nitzl
2   Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
A. E. Fürst
1   Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 04 January 2008

Accepted: 26 February 2008

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Complicated mandibular fractures were recognised in one foal, one pony and four horses. The foal was two months old while the adult animals ranged in age from 12 to 24 years. Three horses had a unilateral horizontal ramus fracture. Two fractures were open and one was closed. Comminution was present in one of these patients while the other two horses had marked displacement of the fragments. Two suffered from comminuted fractures of the horizontal and vertical ramus of the mandible. One of these patients had open and infected fractures. One foal had a bilateral horizontal ramus fracture with marked periosteal ‘new bone’ formation and malalignement which required corrective osteotomy. Each horse underwent locking compression plate (LCP) osteosynthesis consisting of open fracture reduction and application of one to three 4.5/5.0 mm LCP at the ventral, lateral or caudal aspect of the mandible under fluoroscopic control. Two 3.5 mm LCP were used in the foal. Plate fixation was supported by application of a cerclage wire construct between the incisor and premolar teeth in most patients. Complete fracture healing, with an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome, was achieved in all of the patients. Complications encountered included seroma formation, screw and wire breakage, as well as implant and apical tooth root infections. The LCP was removed after fracture healing had occurred in four patients.

Keywords

Horse - mandibular fracture - osteosynthesis - locking compression plate
 

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