LAG-SCREW TECHNIQUE IN FREE OSSEOUS MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

The surgical registry was reviewed For mandibular reconstruction from 1988 to 1992. During this time, 51 patients underwent mandibular recon struction. Of this group, 17 patients had their microvascular bone gra fts secured with lag-screw fixation. An AO technique, utilizing 2.7-mm cortical screws, was used to provide rigid fixation. Mandibular defec ts ranged from 6 to 20 cm. AO vascularized bone grafts were studied wi th bone scans and remained viable. Follow-up revealed no flap losses o r oral cutaneous fistulae. Lag-screw Fixation, in conjunction with man dibular reconstruction, results in rigid fixation, obviates the need f or mandibulamaxillary fixation, has the advantage of ease of applicati on, and is safe to use.