|
A Histological Comparison of the Effects of the Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (Dexamethasone) on Bone Fracture Healing in Male and Female Subjects (An Animal Study)
|
Farid Esmail Beig   , Hassan Momeni * , Nader Kalbasi , Akram Ghomi |
| Department of Oral & maxillofacial surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Isf.c., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran |
|
|
Abstract: (36 Views) |
Background: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like dexamethasone are commonly prescribed for managing pain after oral and maxillofacial surgeries. However, their preoperative use may impair bone healing. This study investigated the histological effects of dexamethasone on mandibular fracture healing in male and female rats.
Materials and Methods: This experimental animal study included 64 Wistar Albino rats (12 weeks old, 250–300 g) that underwent surgically induced mandibular fractures and were randomized into 8 groups. Experimental groups received dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), while controls received normal saline. Animals were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively for histological evaluation. Parameters assessed included union, bone integration, cortical and cancellous bone integrity, bridging of the defect, inflammation, cellularity, and cellular morphology. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05).
Results: Control groups showed significantly better healing outcomes than dexamethasone-treated rats, with higher scores for bone union, integration, cortical and cancellous bone formation, defect bridging, cellularity, and morphology (all p < 0.001, except cellularity p = 0.011). Dexamethasone groups exhibited significantly more inflammation (p < 0.001). Female rats demonstrated poorer healing in early stages, though differences between sexes diminished over time.
Conclusion: Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) delays mandibular bone healing and enhances local inflammation in both sexes, particularly in females during early healing. Its use in maxillofacial fractures should be approached with caution. Further studies are recommended.
|
|
| |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 575 kb]
(13 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Received: 2025/05/20 | Accepted: 2025/12/15 | Published: 2026/03/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
