Management of an extensive equine juvenile ossifying fibroma by rostral mandibulectomy and reconstruction of the mandibular symphysis using String of Pearls plates with cortical and cancellous bone autografts.

This research paper brings to light a surgical method employed in the rostral mandibulectomy and subsequent reconstruction of the mandibular symphysis in a cross filly horse suffering from a rapidly-growing juvenile ossifying fibroma. The tumor was surgically removed and the symmetric structure of the jaw was reconstructed using String of Pearls plates with cortical and cancellous bone autografts taken from the horse’s own body.

Research methodology

• A juvenile ossifying fibroma was pre-diagnosed in a 5-month-old warmblood cross filly horse. The tumor was large and growing quickly, affecting the caudal area of the horse’s mandibular symphysis (the fusion point of the two halves of the mandible).
• Computed tomography was used to plan the surgical process.
• The procedure involved performing a mandibulectomy or partial removal of the jawbone caudal (below) the symphysis to excise the tumor.
• Following the extraction, the mandibular symphysis was rebuilt using String of Pearls (SOP) plates, cortex screws, and autografts of cortical bone from the horse’s mandibles as well as cancellous grafts from the horse’s hip bone (tuber coxae).

Research findings

• At the horse’s 9-month checkup, there were no signs of tumor recurrence. However, implants had to be removed due to an infection.
• Despite the infection, the mandible had formed a new stable symphysis, suggesting the surgery was successful.
• The horse regained its normal eating capabilities and appeared visually pleasing to the owner post-operation.

Conclusions

• The researchers conclude that the surgical procedure discussed in this study reflects a feasible choice for partial removal and rebuilding of mandibular symphysis in horses.
• Despite the instance of infection, the technique displayed adequate stability for healing to occur.
• Complete surgical extraction and reconstruction can effectively treat neoplasia (abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue) and other conditions impacting the entire mandibular symphysis.