Rigid maxillomandibular fixation using a novel technique involving unbonded polymethylmethacrylate canine tooth moulds and interarch wiring for maxillomandibular trauma in three cats

Abstract

Mandibular and maxillary fractures are common in small animals and present significant challenges for repair due to the intricate anatomical features involved. This retrospective case series describes a technique for achieving rigid open mouth maxillomandibular fixation using interarch wiring while maintaining correct alignment between the upper and lower teeth with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) moulds of the canine teeth for treating maxillomandibular fractures in cats. The study includes a description of the postoperative outcomes and complications encountered. The surgical technique successfully achieved anatomical dental occlusion and restored jaw function in all three cats. The implants were well tolerated, with only minor complications such as mild ptyalism and temporary tongue protrusion. No intraoperative complications occurred, and all three cats resumed normal hard food consumption after implant removal. This study provides initial evidence that the use of rostral interarch wiring combined with PMMA canine tooth moulds can result in clinical union and normal occlusion, given appropriate surgical case selection. This technique is simple to perform, requires minimal inventory and can be implemented in clinical settings where thorough anatomical planning is conducted.