Mandibular fractures occur commonly in cats, representing 11.4% to 16% of all fractures. The literature report that approximately 26% of mandibular fractures in cats involve fracture of the caudal bone structures of the mandible. Mandibular body fractures typically result in acute bleeding, malocclusion, signs of pain and discomfort, and pronounced loss of function. In general, repair options for caudal mandibular fractures are limited. For example, rigid maxillomandibular fixation stabilizes the mandibles to the maxillas in a closed-mouth position with minimal overlapping of the canine teeth. The assumption is that fixation method will anatomically align the caudal aspect of the mandibles to facilitate fracture healing. However, prolonged fixation caries substantial consequences such as the need for feeding tube and lack of return to normal function and may result in nonunion of the fracture. Recently, elastic therapy has been employed for certain caudal mandibular fractures in cats. Elastic therapy is performed with similar principles of rigid maxillomandibular fixation but allows guided mandibular mobility. In contrast, titanium locking miniplate systems are an effective means for internal fixation of mandibular in cats. The plate placement technique used for caudal mandibular fracture fixation may not be easy or straight forward. However, if advantageously positioned, the plate can resist tensile forces induced by mastication while allowing compressive load transfer through the mandibular bone fragments. Miniplate fixation typically results in quick return to normal function. This lecture elaborates on recent advances in the science and practice of caudal mandibular fracture fixation in cats.
