Maxillary and mandibular fracture repair using a modified bis-acryl reinforced interdental wiring technique: Description of the technique and report of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND

Repair options for maxillary and mandibular fractures in horses are dictated by the proximity of dentition, fracture configuration, and implant design. Jaw fractures can be repaired by minimising tension forces via intraoral splint constructs when dentition is present on either side of the fracture line. This repair option reduces iatrogenic damage to dentition while achieving reduction and stability until appliance removal.

OBJECTIVES

To first report a modified technique for jaw fracture repair in horses with cadaveric example images. Second, to report the clinical outcome of maxillary and mandibular fracture repair in clinical cases of horses that were treated with a modified wire-reinforced bis-acryl composite interdental splint with tubing (MWIST).

STUDY

DESIGN

Multi-institutional retrospective clinical case series.

METHODS

Medical records from three university hospitals and three private practices were searched for cases of equine mandibular or maxillary fractures treated with the MWIST technique from 2018 to 2025. Animals included in the study underwent oral examination, skull radiography or computed tomography, fracture repair with MWIST, and follow-up imaging at time of appliance removal.

RESULTS

Eleven horses met the inclusion criteria. Nine cases involved fracture of the mandible and two involved fracture of the maxilla/premaxilla. Eight cases had fracture configurations that involved adjacent dentition. Appliances remained in place for an average of 8.9 weeks (median 8 weeks, range 6-20 weeks). Complications were generally minor and readily resolved, including wire loosening or breakage and bone sequestration.

MAIN LIMITATIONS: The main limitation to this study is the multi-institutional retrospective nature, which limits standardisation across diagnostic and surgical procedures, patient follow-up, and inclusion of a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of this modified repair technique in horses is feasible, cost effective, and biomechanically advantageous. The favourable outcome of all cases followed to appliance removal supports the application of this surgical technique on future equine jaw fracture cases.