Treatment of class 2 malocclusion by corrective osteotomy using two short locking compression plates

OBJECTIVE: To describe a symphyseal osteotomy stabilised with two short locking compression plates (LCPs) for treatment of class 2 malocclusions. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Five horses (age range 8 months to 5¾ years) with overjets and/or overbites ranging from 6 to 32 mm and from 0 to 60 mm, respectively, were treated by osteotomy through the caudal third of the mandibular symphysis, cranial to the interdental space. After cranial distraction and ventral rotation of the rostral part of the mandible, two short (5/6 hole), bent 3.5 mm LCPs were applied ventro‐laterally and secured with two or three locking screws on each side of the osteotomy. In one case, the osteotomy gap was filled with bone marrow. RESULTS: Final outcome was good to excellent. Two cases needed a second corrective surgery, one because of non‐occlusion of the cheek teeth and another because of abaxial deviation of the rostral portion of the mandible. In three cases with a persistent fistula, LCPs were removed after bridging; drainage resolved and wounds healed. The time to bridging of the osteotomy gap ranged from 2 to 6.5 months. The procedure is technically challenging. It is important that the incisors are well aligned, which proved to be difficult when there was an abnormal maxillary incisor arcade. Incisors should not make contact when LCPs are fixed. The cheek teeth, however, should have good occlusion after positioning and fixation of the LCPs. Endodontic treatment of open incisor pulp cavities may be helpful. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The study population was small and relatively heterogeneous in severity. A larger population with more severe cases might have allowed for a more definitive assessment of the value of the technique for clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can be used to achieve a good correction for class 2 malocclusions. The approach provides adequate stability with smaller implants than other published techniques that require transection of both rami. The technique is less invasive and preserves the roots of the incisors and cheek teeth, as well as the mandibular canal.