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

Abstract

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. Case series. Horses (n = 7). 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. 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. 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.