External skeletal fixation in the management of equine mandibular fractures: 16 cases (1988-1998).
Abstract: Fifty-three cases of equine mandibular fractures were managed surgically from 1988-1998, of which 16 (30%) were repaired by external skeletal fixation (ESF). Three surgical methods were utilised: transmandibular 4.76 or 6.35 mm Steinmann pins incorporated into fibreglass casting material or nonsterile dental acrylic (methyl methacrylate - MMA) bars reinforced with steel; transmandibular 9.6 mm self-tapping threaded pins +/- 4.76 or 6.35 mm Steinmann pins incorporated into MMA bars reinforced with steel; and 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm ASIF cortical bone screws incorporated into MMA bars reinforced with steel or a ventral MMA splint. Fourteen horses were presented to the hospital for fixator removal at an average of 56.2 days. At removal, fractures were stable and occlusion of incisor and cheek teeth was considered adequate. Complications of the procedure occurred in 3 horses. Two horses with persistent drainage and ring sequestra from pin tracts required curettage 4 or 5 months after ESF removal. A third horse required replacement of the original fibreglass ESF with MMA bars to regain access to open, infected wounds. Another horse required removal of the second premolar at the time of fixator removal because the tooth root had been damaged in the original injury. ESF for the surgical management of mandibular fractures in horses has produced good results, with incisive and cheek tooth alignment reestablished in all horses. Horses that were managed via ESF had a rapid return to full feed and did not require any supplementation via nasogastric tube or oesophagostomy to maintain bodyweight or hydration status.
Publication Date: 2001-03-27 PubMed ID: 11266068DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb00597.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study investigates the effectiveness of external skeletal fixation (ESF) in the surgical management of horse mandibular fractures from 1988 to 1998. Results indicate that ESF has produced consistently good outcomes, including adequate realignment of incisor and cheek teeth, timely return to full feeding, and no need for additional supplementation to maintain weight or hydration.
Methodology
- The study observed fifty-three cases of equine mandibular fractures that were surgically managed between 1988 to 1998.
- Out of these, 16 (30%) were treated with external skeletal fixation (ESF).
- The researchers used three different surgical techniques: using Steinmann pins incorporated into fibreglass casting material or non-sterile dental acrylic (methyl methacrylate – MMA) bars reinforced with steel; using self-tapping threaded pins with or without Steinmann pins incorporated into MMA bars reinforced with steel; using ASIF cortical bone screws incorporated into MMA bars reinforced with steel or a ventral MMA splint.
Results
- Fourteen horses were presented to the hospital for fixator removal at an average of 56.2 days after the surgical procedures. At the time of removal, fractures were stable and the alignment of the incisor and cheek teeth was considered satisfactory.
- Some complications were observed in three horses. Two horses experienced persistent drainage and ring sequestra from pin tracts, requiring curettage four or five months after ESF removal. Another horse needed replacement of the original fibreglass ESF with MMA bars due to open, infected wounds. Another required removal of a damaged tooth root.
- Despite these complications, the study found that ESF for the surgical management of mandibular fractures in horses yielded good results.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that surgical management using ESF has been beneficial in managing equine mandibular fractures.
- Recovery of horses managed via ESF was rapid, with horses returning to their regular feed, not needing any supplementation via nasogastric tube or oesophagostomy to maintain bodyweight or hydration status.
Implications
- This research indicates that ESF can be a viable and effective method for treating mandibular fractures in horses.
- The findings may also contribute to improved veterinary practices for managing such fractures.
Cite This Article
APA
Belsito KA, Fischer AT.
(2001).
External skeletal fixation in the management of equine mandibular fractures: 16 cases (1988-1998).
Equine Vet J, 33(2), 176-183.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb00597.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Chino Valley Equine Hospital, Chino, California 91710, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- External Fixators / veterinary
- Female
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Mandibular Fractures / surgery
- Mandibular Fractures / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Al-Sobayil F, Sadan MA, El-Shafaey ES, Ahmed AF. Can bone marrow aspirate improve mandibular fracture repair in camels (Camelus dromedarius)? A preliminary study. J Vet Sci 2020 Nov;21(6):e90.
- Rizk A, Hamed M. The use of cerclage wire for surgical repair of unilateral rostral mandibular fracture in horses. Iran J Vet Res 2018 Spring;19(2):123-127.
- Naddaf H, Sabiza S, Kavosi N. Surgical treatment and a unique management of rostral mandibular fracture with cerclage wire in a horse. Vet Res Forum 2015 Spring;6(2):181-3.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
