Biochemical Monitoring in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Feasibility and Application Perspectives in African Context

<i>Background</i>: In sub-Saharan Africa, optimization of therapeutic protocols in maxillofacial surgery represents a major challenge faced with resource constraints, limited access to advanced imaging technologies, and complexity of pathologies. Traditional Western-based protocols often fail to account for African population specificities including nutritional profiles, genetic factors, and socio-economic conditions. Biochemical monitoring using accessible bone metabolism markers offers a promising solution for improving treatment outcomes. <i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the contribution of biochemical monitoring in therapeutic protocol optimization and propose a cost-effective application framework specifically adapted to the African healthcare context, with particular emphasis on Cameroon and similar resource-limited settings. <i>Methods</i>: Systematic literature review including studies from 2020-2025 on biochemical markers utilization (alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus) in mandibular bone healing monitoring. Search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and African Journals OnLine databases. Twenty-three studies were included following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on biomarker validation, clinical efficacy, and feasibility in African contexts. <i>Results:</i> Studies demonstrate significant correlations between biochemical markers and bone mineral density (r=0.8-1.0, p<0.001). The Cameroon study shows perfect correlation (r=1.0) between alkaline phosphatase and bone mineral density. Monitoring integration allows 25% reduction in healing time (14.2±3.1 vs 18.7±4.8 weeks) and 40% decrease in post-operative complications (12.3% vs 20.8%). Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals additional monitoring costs of 8,500 FCFA per patient, offset by savings of 95,000 FCFA through complication reduction. <i>Conclusions</i>: Biochemical monitoring represents a promising, accessible approach to optimize maxillofacial surgery care in Africa. The proposed framework demonstrates net savings of 86,500 FCFA per patient while significantly improving clinical outcomes. Progressive implementation in regional centers, coupled with adapted training programs, could substantially improve care quality while respecting economic constraints typical of African healthcare systems.