[Experience with titanium mesh as a temporary foreign material implant for the reconstruction of mandibular defects]

Restoration of a loadable mandible after extensive resections, defects or comminuted fractures, serious osteomyelitis and pseudarthrosis will be successful only if sufficiently stable fixation of the fragments and immobilization beyond the physiological period of bone healing are guaranteed. By means of various types of plates and extroral appliances for osteosynthesis the conventional methods have been improved, but failures and complications are still frequent. The treatment itself is a great strain for the patient. The titanium mesh implant system developed by Ph. Boyne and his group for reconstruction in mandibular defects means, in our opinion, an important therapeutical step forward. Its technical advantages and our own clinical experience advocate application of this system.