Long term outcome after surgical correction of mandibular brachygnathia with unilateral type 1 external skeletal fixation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe complications and long-term outcome after surgical correction of severe overbite in 7 horses using corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 7). METHODS: Seven horses with severe mandibular brachygnathia were treated by corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator. Data on surgical technique, complications, long-term outcome and owner satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: Severe mandibular brachygnathia was corrected successfully in all horses. Short term follow-up revealed a relatively high morbidity due to several complications such as surgical site infection, sequestrum formation and instability due to early pin loosening. Long-term over all owner satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective osteotomy and fixation with an external fixator is an effective surgical technique for correction of severe mandibular brachygnathia and offers good results in a long-term perspective.