Summary
A three-year old bactrian camel was surgically treated by means of distraction osteogenesis
for the correction of a severe mandibular brachygnathia. The mandible was osteotomized
in two fragments at the diastema. An external fixator frame, composed of five 1/3rd
rings connected by three connecting bars and two transporting rods, was used to achieve
stability and optimize sequential fragment distraction during bone healing. After
a period of four months, adequate healing had occurred and 35 mm of new bone had formed.
Although a significant lengthening was accomplished, the final result was not optimal.
We describe the technique used and discuss the suitability and limitations of this
technique for its use in large animals.
Mandibular lengthening by means of distraction osteogenesis is described in a juvenile
camel. Bone lengthening was accomplished over a period of time making this technique
suitable for large animal species. However structural adjustments to the external
lengthening device are necessary to obtain optimal results.
Keywords
Mandibular brachygnathia - distraction osteogenesis - camel
