Treatment of a Mandibular Diastemal Fracture Using Locking Compression Plate and Cerclage Wire in a Mare.

The research describes the treatment of a mandibular diastemal fracture in a horse using a combination of two fracture repair techniques and postoperative care. The two procedures combined comprised utilization of a locking compression plate and cerclage wire while the postoperative care used pelleted feed and needed three months for the horse to fully recover.

Treatment initially used

• The horse, a two-year-old mare, was brought to a veterinary hospital after having a laceration on the right side of its jaw. A thorough examination using radiographic assessment revealed two fractures on the mandible (jaw) involving the second premolar tooth along with a displaced bone fragment.
• The mare was put under general anesthesia and an open reduction medical procedure was conducted along with plate fixation to correct the said fracture. A 3.5 mm narrow 15-hole locking compression plate along with seven locking screws was used in a bridge-like form. This plate is a type of internal fixation device used in orthopedics, particularly used in fractures to hold the ends of the broken bone together for healing.

Use of Cerclage Wire

• In addition to the compression plate, cerclage wire was used to further stabilize the area. Cerclage wire is a type of surgical wire, often used in orthopedic surgery, that encircles and brings together the fractured bone, and adds strength to a plate or makes a rigid structure when screws are not sufficient.
• The cerclage wire anchored the incisor teeth to the second and third premolar teeth to provide greater stability to the broken mandible and promote better bone healing.
• To prevent implant failure and provide protection to the delicate oral mucosa, the incisor teeth and cerclage wire were covered with polymethylmethacrylate, a type of plastic that hardens quickly and provides solid support.

Postoperative Recovery

• The surgical implants were removed 55 days following the surgery, after which the horse was kept under observation in the hospital for five more days before being released.
• Additional follow-up was arranged 90 days post-surgery for the removal of the cerclage wire.

Conclusion From The Study

• The horse was then permitted to resume regular exercise after the 90 days leading to a good recovery and return to normal activities.
• The research discusses how combining two different surgical methods, along with the correct choice of implant and appropriate postoperative care (including diet control by feeding the horse pelleted feed), lead to successful bone healing and return to function.