Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Less-Invasive Technique for Non-stabilized Mandibular Fracture in Mouse Models
Published on: September 27, 2024
A sheep model for endoscopic treatment of mandible subcondylar fractures
José Luis López-Cedrún1, Zachary Ewart, Ramón Luaces-Rey
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario de A Coruña, As Xubias 84, 15008 La Coruna, Spain.
Background:
Mandible subcondylar fractures may be treated via a traditional visible access incision; however, with the advances in surgical endoscopy surgeons are transitioning to a minimally invasive approach in an effort to reduce surgical morbidity and external facial scarring. We sought to design a clinically applicable teaching tool in a large animal model that would allow the operator to gain experience treating mandible subcondylar fractures via an endoscopic approach.
Methods:
A large animal model was developed using the Churra sheep. Subcondylar fractures were created, reduced, and internally plated in ten specimens via an extraoral, two-port endoscopic approach. Animals were monitored for surgical success during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods.
Results:
Mandibles were reduced and fixated successfully in each of the animals. Operative time was reduced from 70 to 40 min as the surgeons became more familiar with the surgical procedure. Each of the ten Churra sheep used in the study tolerated the surgeries without postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
Capitalizing on a mandibular anatomy similar to humans, the Churra sheep successfully demonstrated utility for the extraoral, endoscopic approach in treating mandibular condyle fractures. This model offers surgeons the opportunity to gain surgical endoscopic experience before treating clinical patients.
