This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of  semicircular external fixation technique combined with transmandibular Kirschner wire fixation in a crossed and linear configuration neonatal calves with dystocia-related mandibular fractures. Twenty neonatal calves with mandibular fractures caused by improper traction during obstetrical intervention were included. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed, and fracture localization, unilateral or bilateral involvement, open or closed fracture configuration, fragment displacement, and oral functional impairment were recorded. Mandibular stabilization was achieved in all cases using 2-mm Kirschner wires placed in transmandibular cross-linear configuration combined with a semicircular external fixator ring. Postoperative follow-up included evaluation of clinical recovery, implant stability, complications, oral feeding ability, and radiographic bone healing. Radiographic assessments were performed on days 0, 21, 45, and 60-65 using a modified healing scoring system. Bilateral mandibular fractures were identified in 17 cases and unilateral fractures in 3 cases. No marked secondary displacement was observed during follow-up. Complete radiographic healing was documented in 16 calves, whereas two surviving calves showed moderate/incomplete healing by days 60–65. Two calves died before completion of follow-up due to pneumonia and were reported separately as pneumonia-related deaths. In conclusion, the semicircular external fixation configuration combined with transmandibular cross-linear Kirschner wire fixation appeared to be a clinically applicable and function-oriented option for selected neonatal mandibular fractures. However, comparative studies and biomechanical testing are required before superiority, cost-effectiveness, or mechanical advantages can be established.

To Cite This Article: Tanriverdi E, Aydin U, Yilmaz A, Özaydin I, Sezer M, Ermutlu CS, Akyüz E and Aksoy O, 2026. Management of mandibular fractures in neonatal calves with a semicircular external fixator: clinical and radiographic outcomes. Pak Vet J, 46(8): 2084-2094. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2026.183