[Metal plate osteosynthesis and follow-up irradiation. An animal experiment study]

Osteosynthesis by titanium plates represents a versatile tool for immediate rehabilitation in head and neck oncologic surgery. If followed by radiation therapy, however, plate rejection and bone necrosis may be the result, as dose increases have been shown at the critical tissue-metal interface. Therefore an experimental study on rabbits was conducted to examine the effect of a 60 Gy radiation therapy after titanium plate osteosynthesis of the femur. Histologic examination showed no impairment of the radiated bone; all plates and screws were fixed closely by healthy bone tissue. Therefore, titanium plate osteosynthesis, followed by radiation therapy, seems to be possible; scrupulous observation of some modalities concerning radiation therapy as well as operative technique is, however, recommended.