Introduction: Mandibular fractures are considered a significant percentage of maxillofacial trauma. Multiple techniques, have been used to treat mandibular fractures over the years. Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) has recently been used in orthopaedic surgery to improve bone union. It is less surveyed in the maxillofacial area.
Objective: The aim is to assess how low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can enhance bone healing in individuals with mandibular fractures, using both radiographic and clinical measures.
Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, 18 patients with mandibular fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: study group and control group, having 9 participants in each. Both groups underwent open reduction and internal fixation using two conventional miniplates but only study group received low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation (1.5MHz, 30W/cm2) for 20 minutes on post operative days 4, 8, 14 and 20. The control group did not receive any LIPUS stimulation. Radiographic evaluation using immediate Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) and postoperative CBCT after 12 weeks were used to determine the efficacy by measuring various variables, including bone density, wound healing, occlusion and radiographic fracture healing.
Results: After twelve weeks, both groups had normal occlusion and normal sensory function. Wound healing was measured using Landry's score index, there was a significant difference in both groups along the follow up period (p < 0.001) and a statistically significant reduction in
pain intensity (p < 0.001). The average bone density improved statistically significantly in both
groups A (p < 0.001) and B (p < 0.001) when comparing post-operative 12 week values to
preoperative values.