title: Early detection of bone union with transcutaneous ultrasound in the management of non-union of the mandible.
abstract: The management of complicated non-union of free flap osteotomy sites is both challenging and time consuming. If external fixation has been applied it may be difficult to know when sufficient bone union has occurred for safe removal of the fixation device. The progression of bony healing is conventionally monitored with radiographs or occasionally computed tomography (CT). Transcutaneous ultrasound is a simple, safe, and readily available investigation that gives early objective evidence of bone healing, reassuring both the patient and the surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom. Chrisavery@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: C M E
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Avery
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Clifford
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Niamat
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vaidhyanath
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography