Titanium implants as a temporary replacement of mandible. A report of 30 cases

In a 5-year period, 30 titanium implants (Bowerman and Conroy 1969) were utilised for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumour operations. Of these, 20 implants were removed prematurely. Reasons for early removal were: 1. postoperative dehiscence of wound (5), 2. perforation through the skin or mucosa (5), 3. infection of graft bed (7), 4. breakage of the implant (1), 5. tumour recurrence (2). A total of 9 implants were retained for one or more years. The results are compared with those of Bowerman (1974). Reasons for the early loss as well as the clinical implications are discussed.