title: [Evaluation of rigid internal fixation in mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the application of rigid internal fixation in mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone and to evaluate its efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1994 to May 2004, 98 patients with mandibular defect received mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone by using rigid internal fixation. Seventy-two cases of benign tumor and 26 cases of malignant tumor were included. Four hundred and ono rigid fixation plates were inserted. The clinical results and X-ray films were analyzed and the healing processes were evaluated. The functional and aesthetic results of the mandibular reconstruction were also evaluated according to Lopez assessment system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a follow-up of 1 to 3 years, 95 patients (96.9%)achieved successful effect. The forms and function of the mandibles were resumed. Eighty-one (82.7%) patients were satisfied with the results of operations. Thirteen patients (13.3%) achieved acceptable results. Four patients (4.1%) were dissatisfied with the results of operations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rigid internal fixation is conductive to healing and remodeling of the transplant bone in mandibular reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan Hubei, 430079, PR China.
authors.forename: Sheng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Zubing
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome