Biomechanical Evaluation of Interosseous-to-Interosseous Wiring Technique (IIWT) and Interosseous-to-Interdental Wiring Technique (IIDWT) to Repair Simulated Transverse Feline Caudal Mandibular Fractures

Mandibular fractures in cats are relatively common and likely to cause malocclusion. Maxillomandibular fixation and internal fixation with plates and screws are among the described repair methods in the literature. Interosseous wiring and interdental splints are surgical techniques indicated for simple and stable fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of 2 caudal mandibular transverse fracture repair techniques using interosseous wires and acrylic interdental splints. Technique 1-Interosseous-to-Interosseous Wire Technique (IIWT) involved fracture stabilization using 2 interosseous wires between the bone fragments on the dorsal and ventral aspects of the mandible. Technique 2-Interosseous-to-Interdental Wire Technique (IIDWT) involved utilization of one interosseous wire between the 2 bone fragments on the ventral aspect of the mandible and a modified interdental wire pattern and splint, made of bis-acrylic material, on the alveolar margin of the mandible. Twenty feline mandibles with grossly normal tooth morphology and complete dentition were chosen for the study. There was no statistical difference between the mechanical strength of IIWT and IIDWT. The peak loads were determined to be 58.47N for IIWT and 63.98N for IIDWT. These findings suggest that IIWT provides mechanical stability comparable to IIDWT and may serve as a simpler alternative for mandibular fracture fixation that allows the patient to return to normal function more quickly. More clinical studies need to be performed to better assess overall stability of repairs in a clinical patient and to determine accurate bite forces in cats.