Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in Dogs—Part I: Fracture Location, Morphology and Etiology

Abstract

Treatment of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma in dogs often requires a multidisciplinary approach and a thorough understanding of the CMF skeletal structures involved. The aim of this retrospective study was to use a large number of CT studies of dogs evaluated for CMF trauma and to describe fracture location and morphology in relation to demographic data and trauma etiology. The medical records and CT studies of 165 dogs over a 10-year period were evaluated. The skeletal location of CMF fractures as well as the severity of displacement and fragmentation of each fracture was recorded. Patient demographic data and trauma etiology were also recorded. Animal bites accounted for the majority of trauma (50%), followed by unknown trauma (15%), vehicular accidents (13%), and blunt force trauma (13%). Small dogs, < 10 kg, and juveniles accounted for the majority of patients (41.8 and 25.5%, respectively). The most likely bone or region to be fractured was the maxillary bone, followed by the premolar and molar regions of the mandible. Up to 37 bones or regions were fractured in any given patient, with an average of 8.2 fractured bones or regions per dog. The most commonly fractured location varied according to trauma etiology. Specifically, vehicular accidents tended to result in more locations with a higher probability of fracture than other trauma types. A major conclusion from this study is that every bone of the CMF region was fractured in at least one case and many cases had a large number of fractured regions. Thus, the need for comprehensive assessment of the entire CMF region, preferably using CT, is underscored.

Agreement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Computed Tomography in the Assessment for Acute Skull Fractures in a Canine and Feline Cadaver Model

“…The overarching goal of this and similar studies is to identify instances where MRI can be used in lieu of CT to provide adequate concurrent assessment of traumatic brain injuries and associated fractures of the cranial vault. Despite the good diagnostic performance of MRI in facial fracture assessment in this study, CT will likely remain the gold standard for imaging of animals with maxillofacial trauma, especially when planning surgical interventions (38,39). MRI had least agreement with CT in the detection of TMJ fractures.…”

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in Dogs—Part II: Association Between Fracture Location, Morphology and Etiology

“…All methods relating to case selection, image acquisition, fracture evaluation, and categorization of demographic and traumarelated data were previously described in Part I of this study and are repeated below. All figures referenced in this Methods section appear in Part I of the accompanying paper (9).…”

“…In Part I, we demonstrated that trauma etiology is associated with fracture location (9). Similarly, fracture morphology can also vary based on the location of the fracture.…”

Pathologic Mandibular Fracture Associated with Bilateral Dentigerous Cysts in a Dog

“…The diagnostic yield of CT is greater than that of radiography for the identification of fracture morphology in the craniomaxillofacial region that is particularly useful for surgical planning. 22 This is especially true for cases with breedassociated, dental overcrowding and a class III malocclusion, 23 such as the subject of this report. Furthermore, CT allowed for easier identification of the three unerupted first premolar teeth and examination of the fracture ends for underlying pathology.…”