Study of mandibular fracture repair using quantitative radiodensitometry: a comparison between maxillomandibular and rigid internal fixation.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective study evaluated mandibular fracture repair after either maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) or rigid internal fixation (RIF) using the computer-assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA) system.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients, 32 treated by MMF and 20 by RIF, were studied. Five postoperative panoramic radiographs were performed on each patient (immediately postoperatively and at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days) and the changes occurring in the optical density of the bone at and around the fracture line were analyzed.


RESULTS
An increase in optic density was observed in both groups at 15 days after treatment. At 30 days, a decrease in optical density was observed in both groups, being significantly greater in the MMF group. In the measurements performed at 60 days, an increased density was found in the RIF group, but the rate of optical density increase was more rapid in the MMF group. During the third month, the rates of optical density increase were similar in the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of RIF results in more rapid bone mineralization than the use of MMF.
Villarreal
P M
PM
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain. PEDROVILLARREAL@eresmas.com
Junquera
L M
LM
Martínez
A
A
García-Consuegra
L
L
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors