PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of maxillofacial miniplate 1.5 in the repair of segmental mandibular defects filled with autogenous bone in cats. METHODS: Twelve adult cats were divided into two groups. A segmental defect of 4mm was created in one of the hemimandibles and filled with autogenous iliac crest bone graft. The operated hemimandible was fixed with a 1.5mm titanium miniplate. In group 1 (n=6), the defect was performed in the body of the mandible, behind the 1st molar. In group 2 (n=6),

more »

... e defect was performed between the 4nd premolar and 1st molar, with extraction of the 1st molar. Oral alimentation was reinitiated 24 hours after surgery. Cats were euthanized at 20 weeks postoperative. RESULTS: Incorporation of the graft was suggested by the radiographs taken 20 weeks after surgery. Macroscopic examination confirmed alignment and bone union of operated hemimandibles. Histological examination showed formation of woven bone in rostral and caudal mandible/graft interfaces. The percentage of bone tissue at these areas was measured by the histometry. There was no statistically significant difference between the values of group 1(64.48 ± 4.51) and group 2 (71.69 ± 14.47) (Mann-Whitney's test p= 0.294). CONCLUSION: The use of miniplate 1.5 for the fixation of mandibular defects filled with autogenous bone in cats provided the main goals in the treatment of mandibular fractures: bone union, normal dental occlusion and immediate return to oral alimentation.