Does Local Delivery of Simvastatin-Loaded Gelatin Sponge Accelerate Mandibular Fracture Healing?
Author(s): Ahmad Albassal, Nuraldeen Maher Al-Khanati* and Munir Harfouch
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of local application of 10mg simvastatin on bone healing in mandibular fractures. Methodology: Participants with anterior mandibular fractures were randomly assigned into the two groups of this partially-blinded randomized clinical study. The mandibular fractures were managed via standard technique. Simvastatin-loaded gelatin sponge was locally applied along the fracture line after open reduction and internal fixation and before suturing in the study group. Only saline with gelatin sponge was used as a placebo in the control group. Participants were radiographically followed up after 1 week, 2 months, and 4 months. CBCT images were used to measure grey-scale values, and to indicate fracture union at the 2-month and 4-month follow-ups. Results: 24 anterior mandibular fractures (n=24) were included in all stages of this study. Mean participants age was 30.8 (± 11.7) years. Comparisons showed significant differences in mean grey-scale values at 2-month (P=0.022) and 4-month (P=0.009) follow-ups between the simvastatin and control groups. Differences regarding fracture union between the simvastatin and control groups were insignificant after 2 months (P=0.273), but significant after 4 months (P=0.003). Conclusion: It can be concluded that local application of 10mg simvastatin with gelatin sponge carrier along the fracture lines may hasten the bone healing in mandibular fractures.