Use of the Kirschner wire for mandibular reconstruction.

An adaptation of the Kirschner wire, using tie wires for fixation of the Kirschner wire in primary mandibular reconstruction following ablative surgery, is described. Eighteen patients with a Kirschner wire serving as a prosthesis following mandibular resection were followed up. Except for three patients, who had extensive resection of the tongue, all patients were judged as having satisfactory mastication and deglutition. Only two patients required another operation for wire-related complications. The Kirschner wire, when modified as presented, proved a dependable and stable prosthesis for mandibular reconstruction.