Locking compression plate osteosynthesis of complicated mandibular fractures in six horses.

The research is about a study on the successful treatment of complex jaw fractures in six horses, of varying ages, using a procedure called locking compression plate (LCP) osteosynthesis. These fractures were treated and healed completely, providing excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes, despite encountering a variety of complications.

About the Subjects

• The study observed six horses affected by complicated mandibular (lower jaw) fractures. The animals consisted of one foal aged two months, one pony, and four adult horses aged between 12 and 24 years.
• The fractures presented were varied with three horses showing a unilateral horizontal ramus fracture, two with fractures involving both the horizontal and vertical ramus, and one foal with a fracture affecting both sides of the jaw.
• Some fractures were open, others were closed, and there was sometimes comminution (breaking of the bone into more than two fragments).
• In some cases, there were complications such as severe displacement of the bone fragments, ‘new bone’ formation around the fracture site, and infection at the fracture site.

Treatment Method

• Each horse underwent a procedure called LCP osteosynthesis, which involved open reduction (repositioning) of the fractured bone and fixation using one to three 4.5/5.0 mm LCP on the lower (ventral), side (lateral) or rear (caudal) aspect of the jaw under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.
• The foal was treated with two smaller 3.5 mm LCP due to its size.
• The positioning of the plates was largely supported by a wire construct placed between the incisor and premolar teeth in most cases.

Results and Complications

• All horses achieved complete fracture healing, with excellent function and cosmetic outcomes.
• However, some complications were encountered during the process, including seroma (a pocket of clear serous fluid) formation, breakage of screws and wires, as well as infection at the site of the implant and the root of the tooth.
• The LCP was removed in four of the horses after the fracture had healed.

Conclusions

• This study successfully demonstrates a viable method for treating complex and varied mandibular fractures in horses.
• The use of LCP osteosynthesis, despite some complications, resulted in full fracture healing with good functional and cosmetic outcomes.