Innovation in Maxillary and Mandibular Fracture Repair and Maxillofacial Reconstruction in Small Animals

The field of veterinary maxillofacial surgery in small animals has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by technological advancements in imaging, biomaterials, and patient-specific surgical solutions. Despite these encouraging developments, managing disorders such as mandibular and maxillary fractures, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, and various oral or craniofacial defects remains complex due to anatomical, biological, and species-specific challenges. Recent years have seen increasing interest in minimally invasive approaches, sophisticated fixation systems, and digital planning, but critical questions persist regarding the optimal choice of techniques and materials, standardization of outcome measures, and the ability to tailor these innovations to individual patient needs. Significant studies have explored the efficacy of methods like open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), external skeletal fixation (ESF), minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), and patient-specific implants (PSIs), yet evidence comparing their real-world outcomes remains limited. Furthermore, the assessment of new-generation biomaterials—locking plates, resorbable meshes, porous titanium—and the routine use of 3D planning or intraoperative navigation reveal notable variations in adoption, reporting, and long-term evaluation. This underscores a pressing need for comprehensive studies that integrate clinical effectiveness, biomaterial performance, and practical tools for surgical decision-making.This Research Topic aims to explore and clarify the clinical effectiveness, complication profiles, and cost–benefit aspects of minimally invasive and advanced maxillofacial surgical techniques in small animals. The goal is to develop validated, standardized outcomes and to construct informative decision-support tools that take into account patient-specific risks and practitioner experience. By addressing critical questions—such as whether minimally invasive or patient-specific approaches improve functional recovery and reduce complications relative to conventional techniques—and by evaluating how contemporary biomaterials influence healing, the Research Topic seeks to transform both everyday and advanced surgical management through a robust evidence foundation.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses comparative clinical studies, translational biomaterials research, and the creation of decision-making frameworks specific to small animal maxillofacial procedures. Submissions are welcome from both preclinical and clinical contexts, but must focus on the distinctive challenges and variables present in the veterinary setting. To gather further insights in the realm of minimally invasive maxillofacial surgery for small animals, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Comparative outcomes of MIPO, PSIs, ORIF, and ESF techniques in canine and feline craniofacial surgeryBiomechanical and biological performance of current and emerging fixation biomaterials in small animal modelsDevelopment and validation of patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) for pain, function, occlusion, and quality of lifeIntegration of digital surgical planning, 3D printing, and intraoperative navigation into clinical workflowsRisk stratification tools and algorithms to inform case selection, perioperative management, and prognosticationEconomic, practical, and ethical considerations in the adoption of new surgical interventionsCase series, reviews, guidelines, and original research on complications, re-intervention rates, and owner-reported outcomesWe encourage submissions in multiple formats including original research, clinical studies, reviews, translational studies, technical notes, and case series. Topic editors: Fidel San Roman Llorens, Fidel Antonio San Roman Ascaso, Ana C Castejon Gonzalez Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76900/innovation-in-maxillary-and-mandibular-fracture-repair-and-maxillofacial-reconstruction-in-small-animals