Abstract

The concept of biostimulation of wounds by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is attracting considerable attention. Although its effect on whole tissues has been studied quite extensively, the biological and cellular mechanisms underlying LLLT have not been clarified. In an experimental radius fracture in rabbits, Tang and Chai reported that LLLT enhanced the activity of red blood cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts within the fracture area. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT with a GaAlAs diode laser device on bone healing in rabbit mandibular fractures. We use 12 rabbits for this study. All rabbits were fractured mandible angle area using saw in anesthetic condition. In control group(n=6), none treatment was performed at fracture site. In experimental group(n=6), LLLT with a GaAlAs diode laser was radiated at fracture site daily for 7 days. All rabbits were sacrificed at 6 weeks later from performed fracture day. We studied the immunohistochemical staining of CD34 and Vimentin and the histochemical analysis for calcium and phosphorus content. The results were as follows. 1. In the histological and immunohistological staining, after 6week, fibroblasts, osteogenic cells and collgen fibers were observed more in experimental group than in control group. 2. In the histochemical analysis, the amount of calcium and phosphorus contents of the experimental group were more than the control group. From the results obtained, we suggest that the bone healing is stimulated by low-level laser irradiation in bone fractures.