title: Feline mandibular fractures: a significant surgical challenge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mandibular fractures occur commonly in cats and appropriate treatment is vital to ensure restoration of dental occlusion and masticatory function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Historically, a relatively high complication rate has been reported in association with mandibular fracture repair, and these complications can represent a significant challenge for the veterinary surgeon.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  General practitioners as well as specialists in small animal surgery are presented with fractures of the mandible on a regular basis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cats of all ages can suffer mandibular fracture; however, young cats (mean age 30 months) are over-represented. No sex predilection is reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  The nature of the equipment required for mandibular fracture repair varies greatly, depending on the fracture type and location. An uncomplicated mandibular symphyseal fracture requires only basic orthopaedic equipment whereas the surgeon must ensure they have access to a wide range of orthopaedic equipment prior to undertaking repair of a complex mandibular fracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Management of mandibular fractures is a complex subject. Over the past three decades many fixation techniques have been described in the veterinary literature, with authors analysing and discussing the surgical management of these potentially challenging injuries.
authors: ECVS Resident in Small Animal Surgery, UK. nw@dickwhitereferrals.com
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Woodbridge
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Owen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats / Q000293:injuries*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology