Titanium Miniplate Fixation to Treat Comminuted Frontal and Maxillary Orbital Fractures Causing Exophthalmos and Globe Displacement in a Dog

Abstract

Purpose

To describe a case of titanium miniplate fixation to treat large, comminuted frontal and maxillary orbital fractures in a dog.

Methods

A 3-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever presented to a private specialty referral hospital for evaluation of head trauma following an automobile collision.

Results

Complete ophthalmic examination revealed left globe exophthalmos and dorsotemporal deviation with severe periocular subcutaneous emphysema and soft tissue swelling. There was absence of any palpable bony orbital structure medial, dorsomedial and ventromedial to the left globe. Left epiphora and bilateral epistaxis were pre- sent. The remainder of the physical examination including dental occlusion was normal. Thoracic radiographs and systemic bloodwork were within normal limits. Computed tomography revealed multiple large, severely caudally displaced, comminuted fractures of the frontal, nasal, maxillary and lacrimal bones. The fractures were repaired using a locking titanium miniplate conformed to the normal anatomic skull curvature. Nasolacrimal duct reconstruction was performed via conjunctival frontal sinusotomy. Post-operative computed tomography confirmed adequate surgical alignment of the fractures with return of the left globe to normal position within the orbit. The surgery sites healed without complication. Six weeks after surgery, the left globe position and motility were normal with resolution of the previous epiphora.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the use of titanium miniplate fixation to treat frontal and maxillary orbital fractures in a dog, a technique uncommonly utilized for canine maxillofacial surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of miniplate use for frontal bone fractures in a dog. Surgical fixation restored normal globe position and motility. None

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Keywords: titanium miniplate fixation in dogs, canine orbital fracture repair, comminuted frontal and maxillary orbital fractures in dogs, exophthalmos treatment in dogs, veterinary maxillofacial surgery with titanium miniplates, globe displacement treatment in dogs, CT imaging for orbital fractures in dogs, nasolacrimal duct reconstruction in dogs, case report titanium miniplates in veterinary surgery, canine skull fracture repair