Effects of zoledronic acid on healing of mandibular fractures: An experimental study in rabbits

PubMedID: 21256644Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administered zoledronic acid (ZA) on mandibular fracture healing in a rabbit model using radiodensitometric, biomechanical, histologic, and histomorphometric methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits were used. The rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. A mandibular corpus fracture was created experimentally in all 36 rabbits. The experimental group was administered an intravenous, single dose of 0.1 mg/kg ZA, and the control group was administered only saline infusion during the procedure. All rabbits were sacrificed on the 21st postoperative day. Digital radiodensitometric analysis, a 3-point bending test, and histologic and histomorphometric examinations were performed on the harvested hemimandibles. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: Biomechanical testing data showed that ZA treatment resulted in a significant increase in the healed bone strength. This result was supported by the radiologic, histologic, and histomorphometric findings. Conclusions: The results of the present study have revealed that systemic administration of ZA accelerates and improves the bone healing of mandibular fractures. © 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons