Osteosynthetic titanium mini-plate fixation of composite radial forearm flaps in mandibular reconstruction

This paper describes the evolution and refinement, over a four-year period, of a simple technique for shaping and stabilising the bony component of a composite radial forearm free flap to reconstruct the mandible following segmental resection for neoplastic disease. The results of reconstruction in 30 consecutive patients are reported. The current method of adapting and stabilising the radial bony strut using a specially designed 32 hole osteosynthetic miniplate is described.