Objective of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metallic fixation of mandibular symphyseal fracture on mandibular growth.

Materials and methods: Eighteen 90-day-old New Zealand rabbits were included in this study. 9 animals underwent mandibular osteotomy, simulating a symphyseal fracture on the midline of mandibular symphysis (experimental group). The bone segments were fixed with micro-plates and micro-screws. In sham group, same surgical incision without performing symphyseal osteotomy was performed and two screws were inserted to the each side of symphyseal midline. The distance between two screws was measured with a digital caliper. Digital cephalometric and submentovertex radiographs were taken before the operation and at postoperative 6th month for each animal and measurements were compared. The initial and 6 months following surgery distances between the centers of the 2 screws in the sham group was compared. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States).

Results: There is no statistical significant difference between two groups for growth amount of both side of the mandible. Difference of ANS- Me and Cd–Gn values of the two groups is not statistical significant. ( p > 0.05). The distance between two screws at the first application increased at the postoperative 6th month. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although metallic fixation of mandibular symphyseal fracture interfered the mandibular growth in rabbits, asymmetry was not observed in mandibular growth.

Conflict of interest: None declared.