Stress shielding effect of rigid internal fixation plates on mandibular bone grafts. A photon absorption densitometry and quantitative computerized tomographic evaluation.

The use of rigid internal fixation reconstruction plates in combination with bone grafts provides many advantages in mandibular reconstruction. These advantages include ease of adaptability at the time of surgery as well as immediate postoperative function for the patient. Disadvantages may include a "stress shielding" or disuse osteoporosis effect on the underlying bone graft as a result of the rigidity of the reconstruction plate. This study evaluated the stress shielding effects on bone grafts in primate mandibles. Bilateral bone grafts stabilized with rigid fixation plates were performed in 4 Macaca fascicularis monkeys. Three months after the bone grafting procedure one plate was removed from each monkey. The monkeys were then killed 1, 4, 6 and 8 months after plate removal. Photon absorption densitometry and computerized tomography were used to evaluate stress shielding. The results of this study indicate that the stress shielding effect occurs if the plate is not removed from the area of bone grafting postoperatively.