Non-Invasive Repair Methods for Oral Fractures in Dogs

Surgical techniques for mandibular fracture repair should provide for fracture stability, however rigid internal fixation may not be necessary since the mandible is a non-weightbearing bone. Further, application of internal fixation techniques may disrupt vascular supply to bony fragments which has already been compromised secondary to the traumatic event. Non-invasive osteosynthesis can provide for occlusal maintenance and bone healing while maintaining optimal oral and dental health. Strength in bending was determined for interdental apparatuses applied to canine cadaver hemimandibles osteotomized between the mandibular third and fourth premolar teeth.The bending strength of stainless steel wire applied using a Stout loop interdental wire technique and Erich arch bar anchored to teeth using individual interdental wires was increased by acrylic reinforcement. Although acrylic does not adhere well to metal, it conforms to crown shape and interdigitates with gross metal architecture and deformation (wire twists). The ability of non-invasive methods to provide mandibular fracture stabilization in dogs while avoiding iatrogenic complications inherent with other more conventional fixation methods makes them particularly desirable.The low cost of materials, relative ease of application, and frequency of mandibular/maxillary fracture in dogs contribute to their potential uses in veterinary medicine. In fact, there use is an economically viable alternative to muzzle coaptation since the outcome with these techniques is more likely to restore occlusion while avoiding the potential complications associated with tape muzzles. Interdental wire fixation methods for human maxillofacial fracture stabilization include Ivy loop, Stout loop, Risdon, and Essig wiring techniques. Application techniques and outcomes for these non-invasive techniques will be presented including complications associated with coronally applied devices.