The efficacy of the use of IR laser phototherapy associated to biphasic ceramic graft and guided bone regeneration on surgical fractures treated with miniplates: a Raman spectral study on rabbits

The aim of the present study was to assess, by Raman spectroscopy, the repair of surgical fractures fixed with internal rigid fixation (IRF) treated or not with IR laser (λ780 nm, 50 mW, 4 × 4 J/cm² = 16 J/cm², ϕ = 0.5 cm², CW) associated or not to the use of hydroxyapatite and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Surgical tibial fractures were created under general anesthesia on 15 rabbits that were divided into five groups, maintained on individual cages, at day/night cycle, fed with solid laboratory pelted diet and had water ad libitum. The fractures in groups II, III, IV and V were fixed with miniplates. Animals in groups III and V were grafted with hydroxyapatite and GBR technique used. Animals in groups IV and V were irradiated at every other day during 2 weeks (4 × 4 J/cm², 16 J/cm² = 112 J/cm²). Observation time was that of 30 days. After animal death, specimens were taken and kept in liquid nitrogen and used for Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001). Basal readings showed mean value of 1,234 ± 220.1. Group internal rigid fixation + biomaterial + laser showed higher readings (3,521 ± 2,670) and group internal rigid fixation + biomaterial the lowest (212.2 ± 119.8). In conclusion, the results of the present investigation are important clinically as spectral analysis of bone component evidenced increased levels of CHA on fractured sites by using the association of laser light to a ceramic graft.