The effect of cryosurgery on the strength of bone

The effect of cryosurgery on the mechanical properties of bone has been studied by freezing rats' mandibles. The mandibles of laboratory rats were subjected to cryosurgery and tested at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 26 weeks. In comparison to the control contralateral sides, a reduction in strength was recorded at four and eight weeks, the difference being highly significant at eight weeks. This indicates the susceptibility of bone treated by cryosurgery to pathological fracture and suggests that preventive measures may need to be undertaken to minimise this possibility.