The radiographic study of mandible fracture

ABSTRACT

mandible are often inconsistent with clinical evaluation of bone healing pattern of it. In addition, there is inconsistency between radiographic studies. We think if such inconsistency is resolved, clinical assessment combined with radiologic evidence can be used to guide to more accurate clinical management. The purpose of this study is to evaluate radiological healing pattern of mandible, and to apply its result to clinical use. Panoramic view was used to analyze the change of radiographic finding in 35 patients (27 male, 8 female, ranging 17 to 53 years old) treated for mandibular fracture at the department of oral & maxillofacial surgery, SNUH in the period 1991 to 1998. Patients are all treated by rigid internal fixation using monocortical miniplate. Within 9 weeks, no change is observed at fracture site. Osteogenic change is observed at various time interval (3 to 21 weeks). We have found radiographic change of healing is observed 4 to 6 weeks later to clinical healing. According to this result, we recommend radiographic follow-up at 4 week, 10 week, 10 month.