Use of a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for mandibular surgery

Purpose: This study examined the use of a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for use in mandibular surgery. Patients and Methods: All patients treated with a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for fractures of the mandible or continuity defects in an 18-month period were prospectively studied. Ease of use of the locking plate/screw system, characteristics of the fractures/defects, and complications were tabulated. Results: One hundred two locking bone plates were placed in 84 patients. Most patients (n = 75) were treated for fractures of the mandible; there were eight continuity defects and one case of mandibular narrowing. There were no cases of malocclusion or difficulties encountered in using the plate/screw system. Loss of fixation was encountered in only one patient. Conclusions: The use of a locking plate/screw system was found to be simple, and it offers advantages over conventional bone plates by not requiring the plate to be compressed to the bone to provide stability.