[Mandibular reconstruction with the titanium-hollow screw-reconstruction plate system (THORP)].

The THORP system is designed for bridging mandibular defects and for internal osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures. The major aspects and advantages of the THORP system compared with the conventional reconstruction plates and screws are: 1. The rigid fixation of the head of the screw to the plate, thus avoiding unphysiological loads to the bone underneath the plate. 2. The titanium-plasma coated and perforated hollow screws enable the development of direct bone-titanium contact at the area of the thread as well as the ingrowth of bone into the lumen and perforations. Further advantages are the preservation of small fragments such as the condylar process with only two screws and the stable fixation of bone transplants. The specially designed freely adjustable condylar prosthesis guarantees a correct guidance and function of the lower jaw. The fixation of this system to the lingual aspect of the jaw is particularly significant avoiding decubitus and perforation of the skin in the chin area. The results and the complications of 141 reconstructions of the lower jaw are discussed.