title: A new application of a screw-plate for prosthetic reconstruction after bilateral total maxillectomy.
abstract: Satisfactory functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient after total bilateral maxillectomy is a great challenge to the surgeon and prosthodontist. A particular problem is support and retention of the obturator. In the case described, the problem was solved by attaching the prosthesis with finger clasps to a classic AO-reconstruction plate anchored rigidly with screws to both zygomata. The results in terms of mastication, swallowing, phonation and aesthetics were satisfactory for more than 2 years, when the patient died from brain metastasis and pneumonia. The technique seems promising and merits further study using titanium screws and plates.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Maxillofacial Diseases, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Juntunen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kullaa
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lamberg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Virtaniemi
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D011474:Prosthesis Design