Managing complex skull trauma: a surgeon's perspective and new frontiers

COMPLEX SKULL TRAUMA

Introduction

The maxillofacial complex in the dog is the most prominent part of the skull rendering it vulnerable to severe injuries.¹ The term 'maxillofacial' refers to structures involving the incisive, palatine, zygomatic, lacrimal, frontal and nasal bones as well as the maxillary bone proper.¹ This anatomic region is located between two strong craniofacial bony structures, the cranial base and the mandibles.¹ Advanced maxillofacial reconstruction is uncommonly performed in animals. Boudrieau used miniplates for maxillofacial fractures achieving excellent functionality and cosmesis, and has reported important considerations in miniplate application in dogs.^2-4 We recently reported our technique of internal fixation of severe maxillofacial fractures using titanium miniplates in dogs.⁵ [...]