Research on a novel rigid internal fixation system.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of fixation with a novel (bulge core type system) rigid internal fixation system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular linear fractures were created artificially in dogs and fixed using a bulge core type system or a miniplate system in vitro. A 3-point load cell was used to contrast the fixation strength of the 2 systems in vitro. Histologic sections were used to analyze the healing of mandibular linear fractures and to contrast the efficiency of fixation of the 2 systems in vivo. Tetracycline-fluorescein staining technology was used to evaluate the bone healing speed in the mandibular fracture lines during bone healing. RESULTS: In vitro, the 3-point load cell showed that the fixation strength of the bulge core type system was greater than that of the miniplate system (P < .05). In vivo, the histologic sections and tetracycline-fluorescein staining showed that greater and quicker bony healing occurred using the bulge core type system (P < .05) and that the efficiency of fixation of the 2 systems was similar. CONCLUSION: Our results have shown that the bulge core type system can provide sufficient strength for mandibular linear fracture healing.