Single Instrument for Achieving Accurate Alignment and Pre-Insertion Stability with Mandibular Bone Plates

摘要

A three-dimensionally bendable defect bridging plate was first described by Schmoker et al. for the stabilization of bone grafts following partial resection of tumors of the mandible. The technique of plate adaptation and drilling and tapping of the screw canals prior to resection and final placement of the plate is termed the pre-insertion phase. Stable positioning of the reconstruction plate is essential for insuring accurate adaptation during the pre-insertion phase. Special plate-holding forceps specifically designed for this purpose insure stability of the plate and complement the accurate placement of the cortical screws used for fixation. The modified Dingman forceps provides several advantages over currently designed plate-holding forceps. The rubber tubing prevents metal-to-metal contact of the forceps on the plate and provides increased stability to the plate. The long lingual jaws of the Dingman forceps are applied to the lingual bone at a point remote from the screw canal and this prevents damage to the prepared canals. The design of the forcep's jaws provides three-point rigidity to stabilize the plate and, therefore, insures proper alignment, adaptation, and pre-insertion fixation.