BONE SPECT OF THE JAW AFTER FRACTURE, ONL AY OSTEOPLASTY OR INSERTIONOF IMPLANTS

Aim: The aim of this study was early differentiation between uncomplic ated and complicated processes of healing in the jaw using bone SPECT. Methods: Investigations were performed in 40 mandibular frac lures an d 26 jaws after onlay osteoplasty as well as secondary insertion of im plants. Bone SPECT was carried out within 1-2 months and after approxi mately 4-5 months. The uptake in the jaw was assessed semiquantitative ly using ROI analysis. Results: Fractures with uncomplicated healing s howed a decrease of uptake in follow-up, whereas fractures with an inf ection in the later course showed an increase, resulting in a signific antly higher uptake at the follow-up investigation for the latter grou p. 1-2 months after onlay osteoplasty significantly lower uptake was f ound in regions with later occurrence of sequestration. In regions wit h implants in which osseointegration failed, there was significant red uction of uptake initially and significant elevation at the follow-up investigation. Conclusion: These results indicate a prognostic relevan ce of bone SPECT in the evaluation of processes of healing in the jaw.