Experimental imaging studies of occlusal splint on sagittal fracture of mandibular condyle

Objective: To observe the effects of occlusal splint treatment on the fracture healing and blood-flow in TMJ region after SFMC.Methods: 14 childhood miniature pigs were chosen and divided into 3 groups. untreated, occlusal splint treatment after SFMC and control group. Three phase bone isotopic scanning techniques and spiral CT were performed on these pigs at different time.Results: The data showed the value of the time-activity curve of blood-flow image increased and blood-flow arriving time was postponed after SFMC. The α/β ratio were the highest at 2 weeks after SFMC. The α/β ratio was higher with occlusal splint treatment. The count of blood pool image and static image was higher than nonfractured sides. The peak were at 2 weeks after fracture. The density of fractured regions were low at 3 weeks after SFMC. The density were increased gradually and at 12 weeks the fracture were healed, a normal condyle contour were formed in occlusal splint group. The density were always low at fractured rgeion and bifid condyle were formed in untreated group.Conclusion: Occlusal splint treatment can do benefit to blood supply in TMJ region, fracture healing and condole remodeling after SFM. The possible mechanism is to reduce the pressure of intraarticular, blood stasis of bone marrow and prevent secondery injuries to TJM.