Pre-maxilla fracture repair using inter-fragmentary stainless steel wire in a foal

The present report describes the successful surgical management of rostral pre-maxilla fracture using inter-fragmental stainless steel wire in a 6 month old colt foal. The foal had the history of bite on the premaxilla by another horse on the day of presentation. The clinical examination and lateral skull radiograph confirmed open, complete fracture at rostral premaxilla (incisive bone) region with displacement. The fracture fixation was done under general anaesthesia in dorsal recumbency. The fracture was primarily stabilized with a two 2 mm Steinmann pins followed by tightening an inter-fragmentary 20-gauge stainless steel wire in a horizontal mattress formation with the 'U' part on hard palate and free ends on the outside of incisors. One month follow up revealed radiological and clinical fracture union and the wire was removed under general anaesthesia.