Estimation of C-reactive Protein Associated with Mandibular Fracture.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels pre-operatively and post-operatively following a surgical intervention of mandibular fracture with osteosynthesis by rigid fixation using AO/ASIF principles and to try and correlate the prognosis of the convalescent period. METHODS: Twenty five patients with trauma were surgically treated. The blood samples are collected pre-operatively, immediate post-operatively, after 24 h and on the seventh post-operative day. RESULTS: The CRP levels were high pre operatively due to body's initial response to trauma. An increase was noticed immediately after the surgery (mean value 1.96 ± 0.56 mg/dl). After 24 h of surgery, CRP levels were raised markedly (mean value of 2.3 ± 0.58 mg/dl). On the seventh day after the surgery CRP levels were significantly decreased to attain normal level (mean value of 1.58 ± 0.52 mg/dl), indicating normal healing at the surgical site. CONCLUSION: In cases of patients with mandibular fracture the CRP concentration increases directly after the trauma and the surgical procedure. Then it undergoes a gradual normalisation which ensures non complicated healing post operatively.