STM Article Repository

The efficacy of straight, 4 holed titanium miniplates for repair of mandibular fractures in six dogs was evaluated. Mandibular fractures accounted for about 4.8% in the present study, commonly occurred in shih tzu and non-descript, male dogs of less than one year of age. The common site of fracture was the premolar region and unilateral fractures were more compared to bilateral fractures. The physiological and hematological parameters were within normal physiological range and statistically non-significant, except the leucocyte count, which showed significant variations and higher values at the beginning of the study due to presence of infection, which reduced with administration of antibiotics. Biochemical parameters namely serum calcium, phosphorous, creatinine and ALT showed non-significant variations. However, alkaline phosphatase showed significant variations. Immediate post-operative radiographs showed good alignment of the fractured mandible with adequate reduction. At the end of the study the mandible healed with minimum or no callus formation. This technique provided excellent stability, early return to normal function and normal occlusive alignment was maintained throughout the study.