Maintenance of function and esthetics after partial mandibulectomy without bone grafting

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Partial mandibulectomy for oral or oropharyngeal cancer can lead to chin deviation.
• This deviation causes significant esthetic, masticatory, and speech impairments.
• Current reconstructive methods may be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Joe Hall Morris biphase external pin fixation appliance.
• To assess its ability to prevent complications following partial mandibulectomy.
• To determine if it eliminates the need for bone grafting.

Main Methods:

• The Joe Hall Morris biphase external pin fixation appliance was applied to 20 patients.
• Patients underwent partial mandibulectomy for en bloc resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
• The appliance's stability and functional outcomes were monitored over 12–14 weeks.

Main Results:

• Excellent stability of mandibular segments was maintained for 12–14 weeks.
• No patients required bone grafting or additional reconstructive surgery.
• The appliance facilitated intraoral care and allowed immediate initiation of adjuvant therapies.

Conclusions:

• The biphase external pin fixation appliance is a highly effective method for managing mandibular defects post-resection.
• It successfully prevents chin deviation and associated functional disabilities.
• This technique offers a simpler alternative to traditional reconstructive surgeries.