Evaluation of the effect of low-level diode laser therapy applied during the bone consolidation period following mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the human

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on new bone formation obtained by distraction osteogenesis in the early consolidation period. Ten selected patients with bilateral mandibular retrusion seen at the Nasser Institute Hospital, Egypt between June 2009 and June 2012 underwent this clinical trial; seven were female and three were male, and their mean age was 31 ± 5.1 years. The left mandible of each patient was assigned to group A (n = 10) and the right mandible to group B (n = 10); mandibular distraction osteogenesis was performed on both sides and then LLLT was used in group B only. The amounts of bone acquired were compared according to their radiographic density on digital panoramic radiographs after 6, 12, 24, and 54 days of consolidation. Statistically significant differences in bone density were found between the two groups. Group B showed bone consolidation and growth differences on day 6 (P = 0.402), day 12 (P = 0.006), day 24 (P = 0.021), and day 54 (P = 0.028). The use of LLLT on distracted bone was found to increase the quality and quantity of bone and to shorten the consolidation period, allowing early removal of the distractor and resulting in decreased morbidity and relapse.