RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the stress shielding after mini-plate internal fixation for mandibular fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen patients with mandibular fractures were selected.X-rays were taken before operation and 3, 4, 6 months after operation when the plates were removed. The bone density of the mini plate area was examined and compared among different time interval groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The bone density before operation (125.41 ± 2.47) and 3 months after operation (120.19 ± 3.52) was not significantly different, but became lower 4 and 6 months after operation than before operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There appeared stress shielding after internal fixation for 4 and 6 months in mandibular fracture, and the mini plate should be removed at those times.</p>