[Functional dynamic bridging plate and its use in the mandible].

The principle of the functionally dynamic bridging plate can be compared with the construction of a double bridge. The first bridge, which performs a protective function, is established by means of a plate which extends from one stump of the mandible to the other. The homogeneous, square-sectioned, central bar of the plate tolerates micromovements when stressed and demonstrates no predetermined breaking points. The second bridge ist established with the aid of the primary or secondary bone transplants, which are fixed to each other separately and to the stumps of the mandible with supplementary gracile implants. An adequate degree of functional stress on the bone transplant, i.e. the transmission of functional dynamical forces, is essential for the remodelling of the bone and must extend from one resected stump to the other. The choice of a square cross-section for the functionally dynamic bridging plate bar simplifies the three-dimensional bending and shaping of the plate on a template or the bone, thereby stressing the plate material uniformly and protecting it accordingly. This considerably facilitates the intraoral fixation of the plate. The functionally dynamic bridging plate system has proved successful in cases of partial mandibular resections, after tumour resections or in cases of defects following traumas and inflammations. It is suitable for cases with or without immediate bone reconstruction. It can be placed on the buccal side of the mandible, the caudal side or a combination of both. Positioning bone transplants can thus be carried out by a direct approach without obstruction and is consequently technically simpler.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)