Coronoidectomy for treatment of osteomyelitis of the coronoid process: A novel technique

OBJECTIVE: To report a minimally invasive coronoidectomy technique for the treatment of osteomyelitis of the mandibular coronoid process. ANIMAL: 2-year-old Haflinger mare. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 2-year-old Haflinger mare presented with a 6-week history of a non-healing wound caudodorsal to the left eye over the supraorbital fossa. A moderate amount of purulent, hemorrhagic discharge was present with a mild degree of soft tissue swelling. The horse was reactive to palpation of the region. Radiographic examination did not reveal any osseous abnormalities or foreign material in the wound tract. Computed tomography findings were consistent with chronic osteomyelitis of the left coronoid process of the mandible. A minimally invasive coronoidectomy was performed under general anesthesia to remove the left coronoid process of the mandible. RESULTS: The coronoid process of the mandible was successfully removed and the wound healed. No complications were reported postoperatively. At 1 year postoperatively the horse was being used for its intended purpose, and the owner deemed the outcome successful. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique reported presents a minimally invasive approach to excise the mandibular coronoid process in a single case.