Reconstructive surgery of the mandible by means of metal plates

Reconstructive operations for defects of the mandible arising as a consequence of tumour operations and after trauma, add considerably to the improvement of aesthetics and masticatory function. Here, we have found methods of stable osteosynthesis for transplant fixation to be very useful. The most favourable results were achieved by the application of special mandibular plates. Only homologous spongy bone of the crest of filium was used as the transplant material. The primary temporary bridging of the defect by alloplastic material after mandibular resection in cancer therapy proved very advantageous. The results of treatment permit practical conclusions.