Maxillomandibular external skeletal fixation in five cats with caudal jaw trauma

Abstract

Five cats with caudal jaw injuries including mandibular ramus fractures, temporomandibular luxation/subluxation and temporal bone fractures were managed with external skeletal fixation to provide open-mouth maxillomandibular fixation. Three of five cats were able to eat orally during the period of fixation, whereas two cats with jaws fixed in a suboptimal position were dependent on oesophagostomy tube nutrition. Fixation was well tolerated and was maintained for 21 to 42 days. All cats were eating normally and had good jaw function at follow-up (mean 39 months, range 7 to 71 months).