Use of the 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate in primary oromandibular reconstruction after composite resection.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate (LRP) system for patients requiring oromandibular reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review of 43 consecutive patients who underwent mandibular composite resection with immediate reconstruction.

SETTING: Tertiary care center.

RESULTS: Forty-three patients underwent oromandibular reconstruction with the 2.0-mm mandibular LRP system and free flaps containing vascularized bone. Mean follow-up was 11 months. There were no intraoperative difficulties utilizing this system. Two (5%) patients had partial fasciocutaneous flap loss resulting in plate exposure. There were no instances of plate fracture or complications requiring plate removal to date.

CONCLUSION: 2.0-mm LRP mandibular system is reliable even in the setting of previous or adjuvant radiation therapy. Its technical ease of application, contouring malleability, and very low profile have proven to be advantageous in oromandibular reconstruction.

SIGNIFICANCE: No previous descriptions of use of the 2.0-mm LRP in combination with osteocutaneous free flaps for mandibular reconstruction are found in the literature.

EBM RATING: C.