Mandibular corrective osteotomy using novel locking compression plate 3.5/4.5/5.0 mm metaphyseal plates.
Authors: Klaus Christoph S, Vogt Carsten, Lischer Christoph J
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary Mandibular brachygnathia (undershot jaw) in foals presents significant challenges for feeding and long-term performance, yet surgical correction options have been limited. Klaus Christoph and colleagues evaluated a novel approach using locking compression plates (LCP) specifically designed for metaphyseal bone—the 3.5/4.5/5.0 mm system—to stabilise corrective osteotomy in an eight-month-old Thoroughbred with severe brachygnathia. Two metaphyseal plates were inserted via minimally invasive technique to realign the mandible, with radiographic evidence of stable fixation achieved within three months and only minor perioperative complications reported. The cosmetic outcome satisfied the owner and enabled normal feeding, suggesting this plate configuration offers superior rigidity and biological integration compared to conventional fixation methods for this particular indication. Farriers and veterinary surgeons managing young horses with significant jaw discrepancies should consider this technique as a viable option, particularly as the metaphyseal plating design reduces soft tissue trauma and may accelerate healing in growing animals.
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Practical Takeaways
- •LCP 3.5/4.5/5.0 metaphyseal plates offer a viable surgical option for correcting severe mandibular brachygnathia in young horses, with good cosmetic results.
- •Minimally invasive plate insertion technique can be successfully applied to mandibular osteotomy in weanlings with stable fixation achieved within 3 months.
- •This approach may allow owners of severely affected young horses to pursue surgical correction rather than accepting the condition as untreatable.
Key Findings
- •Severe mandibular brachygnathia in an 8-month-old Thoroughbred was successfully corrected using minimally invasive corrective osteotomy with locking compression plates.
- •Stable fixation was achieved at 3 months post-operatively with minor complications.
- •Owner satisfaction and cosmetic outcome were excellent following the procedure.