Fractures of the rostral portion of the mandible and maxilla in horses: 89cases (1979-1997)

Objective-To compare fracture locations, repair methods, complications, and outcomes of horses with fractures of the rostral portions of the mandible and maxilla. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-89 horses with fractures of the rostral portions of the mandible an d maxilla. Procedure-Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Fractures were cat egorized by fracture location and stability. Postoperative complications an d long-term outcome were determined by clinical examination and telephone i nterviews with horse owners. Results-4 fracture types were recognized. Fractures involving just the alve olar plate (33%) and those involving the alveolar plate and the body of the bone (32%) were most common and were often repaired by interdental wiring. Unilateral fractures of the mandible (11%) were managed without surgery if stable. Unstable fractures were repaired with wires, a U-shaped bar (U-bar ), or a bone plate. Bilateral fractures (24%) were often repaired with orth opedic wires in foals or with a U-bar, acrylic splint, wires, or bone plate in adult horses. In 2 horses, bilateral fractures were managed conservativ ely. Short-term complications developed in 24 of 89 (27%) horses. Soft tiss ue infections and wire loosening or failure were the most common short-term and long-term complications. Wire replacement was not required in any hors es after release from hospital. Persistent draining tracts were most often associated with bone sequestration. Long-term functional and cosmetic outco mes were favorable for all fracture types and repair methods. Clinical Implications-Although complications in horses with fractures of th e mandible and maxilla are common, long-term prognoses for functional and c osmetic outcome are favorable.