Long term outcome after surgical correction of mandibular brachygnathia with unilateral type 1 external skeletal fixation.
Authors: Klaus Christoph S, Hertsch Bodo W, Höppner Stefanie, Lischer Christoph J
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Surgical Correction of Severe Overbite in Horses Mandibular brachygnathia (severe overbite) significantly compromises mastication and feed intake in affected horses, yet surgical options remain limited. This case series documented the outcomes of seven horses undergoing corrective osteotomy of the mandible stabilised with unilateral Type 1 external skeletal fixation, tracking both short-term complications and long-term functional results. Whilst all horses achieved successful skeletal correction, the immediate postoperative period proved challenging, with notable morbidity including surgical site infections, sequestrum formation, and early pin loosening leading to loss of fixation stability in several cases. Despite these early setbacks, long-term follow-up demonstrated excellent owner satisfaction and functional outcomes, suggesting that initial complications resolved or were managed without compromising the final result. For practitioners considering surgical intervention in cases of severe brachygnathia refractory to conservative management, this work provides evidence that external fixation remains a viable technique, though careful perioperative management and pin care protocols are essential to minimise complications during the critical healing phase.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Corrective osteotomy with external fixation successfully corrects severe overbite in horses, but expect significant short-term complications including infection and pin loosening that require active management
- •Despite early surgical complications, long-term outcomes and owner satisfaction remain excellent, suggesting clients should be counselled that initial recovery is challenging but final results justify the procedure
- •This technique should be considered for horses with severe mandibular brachygnathia when conservative management fails, as long-term functional outcome appears predictable
Key Findings
- •Severe mandibular brachygnathia was corrected successfully in all 7 horses using corrective osteotomy and Type I external fixator
- •Short-term complications occurred in most cases including surgical site infection, sequestrum formation, and pin loosening
- •Long-term overall owner satisfaction was very high despite short-term morbidity
- •External fixation proved to be an effective long-term technique for correction of severe mandibular brachygnathia