Application of ultrasonic inspection in monitoring dynamic healing of mandibular fracture in rabbit model

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of ultrasonic diagnosis for monitoring fracture healing.@*METHODS@#Thirty rabbit models with fraction of mandible body were established by surgically removing partial lower jawbone. At the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 12th week after the operation, they were examined by X-ray and ultrasound, respectively. All detection results were scored according to a generally accepted standard. Spearman rank correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the results of the two inspection methods.@*RESULTS@#In each healing stage, the results of the ultrasonic inspection were basically consistent with those of the X-ray examination, as supported by a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.892 (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Non-invasive ultrasonic inspection can be used instead of X-ray examination to monitor and diagnose fracture healing.