[Prosthetic aids in the resection of the middle portion of the mandible]

Prosthetic aids in resections of the middle piece of the mandible. The authors describe a prosthesis which is inserted during the resection of the middle piece of the mandible. Due to its construction it prevents the soft tissues of the floor of the mouth from sinking back. Such a prosthesis has been used in 18 cases. Respiratory complications did not occur; no tracheotomy was necessary. During the postoperative phase, the prosthesis came up to expectations, but it could not prevent cicatricial contraction in the operating area. Occlusion-conformable positioning of the fragments will be achieved only it the remaining teeth are suited for function-stable prosthetic care. Consequently, secondary osteoplasty should not be abandoned.