Effect of 2100 MHz mobile phone radiation on healing of mandibular fractures: an experimental study in rabbits

Abstract

Fractures in the maxillofacial region are among the most frequent incidences in patients exposed to trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2100 MHz electromagnetic radiation on the healing of mandibular fractures in rabbits. The study was carried out on 12 mature male New Zealand rabbits. After producing a left mandibular osteotomy, the fracture was repaired by using a plate screw. The rabbits were divided into two groups – control and experimental. The experimental group was exposed for 3 h daily to a 2100 MHz radiofrequency (RF) for 28 d. Biomechanical, histopathological and radiological tests were performed during the healing of the mandibular bone. According to the biomechanical tests, the energy absorption capacity, toughness and maximum strength of the mandibular bone were increased compared to the control group (6.84 vs. 2.57, 0.135 vs. 0.041 and 22.21 vs. 10.32, respectively). No significant differences between the two groups were found during the radiological assessment. However, the histopathological examination revealed that the fracture healing score was higher in the experimental group when compared to the control group (8.0 vs. 2.75, respectively). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that a 2100 MHz RF radiation positively affected fracture healing.

Keywords

• Bone biomechanics
• fracture healing
• radiofrequency radiation
• mobile phone