Maxillomandibular circular external skeletal fixation for repair of bilateral fractures of the caudal aspect of the mandible in a dog.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the novel use of circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) for repair of bilateral fractures of the caudal aspect of the mandibles.

STUDY

DESIGN

Clinical report.

ANIMALS: A 5-month-old female Newfoundland.

METHODS

A 2-ring CESF was used to immobilize the mandible relative to the maxillae.

RESULTS

Anatomic dental occlusion and reduction of the right hemimandible were achieved with mild malalignment of the left hemimandible. Fracture healing occurred within 20 days. Transient epistaxis and reduced temporomandibular joint range of motion occurred at the time of fixator removal but normal use of the mandible was reported 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

CESF effectively immobilized the mandible permitting rapid fracture healing with minimal morbidity.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maxillomandibular CESF may represent a simple, effective option for the management of challenging fractures involving the caudal aspect of the mandible.