Comparative study of locking plates in mandibular reconstruction after ablative tumor surgery: THORP versus UniLOCK system.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study compared 2 types of rigid locking plates (THORP and UniLOCK; Stratec Medical, Oberdorf, Switzerland) in 107 patients undergoing reconstruction for bridging mandibular defects following ablative tumor surgery.


METHODS
From January 1993 to December 2000, 107 patients were reconstructed following ablative tumor surgery with 57 THORP plates and 50 UniLOCK plates. Study follow-up ranged from 18 to 87 months (average, 32 months). Complications were categorized into delayed wound healing, infection, plate exposure, and plate fracture, taking into account the type and timing of reconstruction.


RESULTS
Overall type and number of complications show no statistically significant differences between THORP and UniLOCK groups. Infection was the most frequent type of complication (THORP, 30; UniLOCK, 32). Others included delayed wound healing (THORP, 13; UniLOCK, 12), plate exposure (THORP, 8; UniLOCK, 7), and plate fracture (THORP, 5; UniLOCK, 1). Plates were removed in 22 THORP and 11 UniLOCK plates. The most frequent reason for plate removal in both groups was infection. Other reasons for plate removal include tumor recurrence, plate fracture, plate exposure, or a combination of reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
THORP and UniLOCK plates do not present statistically significant differences in the parameters studied. Nevertheless, the UniLOCK group had slightly better results. Considering that the THORP system is much bulkier and its screws bigger, our results lead to the conclusion that bridging osteosynthesis with a 2.4 UniLOCK system is adequate for plate reconstruction of mandibular defects.
Gellrich
Nils-Claudius
NC
Department of Oral and Maxilofacial Sirgery, University Hospital of Feiburg, Freiburg, Germany. gellrich@zmk2.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Suarez-Cunqueiro
Maria Mercedes
MM
Otero-Cepeda
Xose Luis
XL
Schön
Ralf
R
Schmelzeisen
Rainer
R
Gutwald
Ralf
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008341:Mandibular Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies