Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Mandible Fracture Healing after Bone Plate Fixation in Dogs: An Experimental Study

Fathy, M. Z. and Ragab, G. A.

Abstract

The goal of the present study was estimate the capability of the ultrasonography (US) for following up the simple, transverse and non-complicated mandibular fracture healing in dogs. nine dogs aged from 2-3 years and weighted from 15 to 20 kg were used. Mandibular fracture was induced experimentally and the fractured parts were fixed by Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) and bone screws. Fracture healing was arbitrated by using ultrasonography. The results showed that, the fracture line was appeared ultrasonographically as an-echoic to hypo-echoic area neighboring to the hyperechoic bone and the bone plate was appeared hyper-echoic after fixation. During chase the fracture healing of the mandible by using US, there were changes appeared in the echogenicity at the site of fracture. In conclusion, the Ultrasonography could be utilized to assess the stages of mandibular fracture healing in dogs.

Key words

Ultrasound, Fracture Healing, Mandible, Dogs.