title: Use of a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for mandibular surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the use of a locking reconstruction bone plate/screw system for use in mandibular surgery.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9109, USA.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Herford
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery