Advantages of mandibular reconstruction with the titanium hollow screw osseointegrating reconstruction plate (THORP)

Alloplastic reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy is a simple way to maintain mandibular segmental relationships, partially preserving form and function for many patients. This study is a retrospective review of 40 patients who had mandibular reconstruction with metal plates over a 6-year period (April 1986 through August 1992). The results of reconstruction with titanium hollow-screw osseointegrating reconstruction plates (THORP [n = 12]) and solid screw (SS) steel and titanium plates (n = 28) are compared. One THORP has been removed as compared to 14 SS plates. While the improved results with THORP may be attributable in part to its advanced design, the success of soft-tissue reconstruction and tumor extirpation are important factors in the early outcome seen in this series. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if THORP can serve as a permanent implant. THORP is the authors' method of choice for alloplastic mandibular reconstruction.