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Maxillary and mandibular fracture repair using a modified bis-acryl reinforced interdental wiring technique: Description of the technique and report of 11 cases.
Abstract: 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. Objective: 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). Methods: 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. Conclusions: 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.
© 2026 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2026-07-09 PubMed ID: 42423169DOI: 10.1002/evj.70225Google 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.
- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This study presents a new method for repairing jaw fractures in horses using a wire-reinforced bis-acryl composite interdental splint with tubing (MWIST).
- The researchers describe the technique, illustrate it with images, and report successful outcomes in 11 clinical cases treated with this method.
Background and Objective
- Jaw fractures in horses require repair methods that consider the nearby teeth, fracture pattern, and implant design.
- Common repair emphasizes reducing tension forces through intraoral splints that use the horse’s own teeth to stabilize fractures, minimizing damage to the teeth.
- The study aimed to:
- Describe a modified technique called MWIST for repairing maxillary (upper jaw) and mandibular (lower jaw) fractures.
- Report on the clinical outcomes of horses treated with MWIST across multiple institutions.
Methodology
- A retrospective review was conducted across three university hospitals and three private practices, spanning from 2018 to 2025.
- Inclusion criteria involved horses diagnosed with maxillary or mandibular fractures treated using the MWIST technique.
- Diagnostic procedures included:
- Oral examinations
- Skull radiography or computed tomography (CT)
- Fracture repair was performed with the modified wire-reinforced bis-acryl composite interdental splint with tubing (MWIST).
- Follow-up imaging was done at the time of appliance removal to assess healing.
Technique Description
- MWIST combines bis-acryl composite material with wire reinforcement and tubing to create a strong, durable interdental splint.
- This splint is applied intraorally, stabilizing fracture fragments by anchoring across the dentition adjacent to the fracture site.
- The technique is designed to minimize harmful tension, optimize biomechanical stability, and lessen damage to the horses’ teeth compared to other methods.
- Cadaveric examples were used to illustrate the application of the method.
Results
- Eleven horses met the criteria and received the MWIST repair:
- Nine had mandibular fractures.
- Two had maxillary or premaxillary fractures.
- Eight had fractures involving nearby teeth.
- The splint devices stayed in place for an average of 8.9 weeks (range 6 to 20 weeks).
- Complications were minor and manageable, including:
- Wire loosening or breaking
- Bone sequestration (small dead bone fragments)
- All cases followed through appliance removal showed favorable healing outcomes.
Limitations
- The study is retrospective and involved multiple institutions, which introduces variability in:
- Diagnostic modalities and protocols
- Surgical procedures
- Follow-up schedules
- There was no control group for direct comparison with other fracture repair techniques.
Conclusions and Implications
- The MWIST technique is practical, cost-effective, and provides biomechanical advantages for equine jaw fracture repairs.
- The positive clinical results suggest this method is a promising option for treating maxillary and mandibular fractures in horses.
- The technique reduces the risk to surrounding teeth and provides adequate stabilization during the healing period.
- Future controlled studies could further validate and standardize this approach.
Cite This Article
APA
Wright AL, Broman A, Chiero N, Griffin C, Hunt J, Rice M, Tanner B, Henry T.
(2026).
Maxillary and mandibular fracture repair using a modified bis-acryl reinforced interdental wiring technique: Description of the technique and report of 11 cases.
Equine Vet J.
https://doi.org/10.1002/evj.70225 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- Equine Veterinary Dental Services, Newark, Ohio, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Midwest Veterinary Dental Services, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA.
- Midwest Veterinary Dental Services, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA.
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- Midwest Veterinary Dental Services, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA.
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