The use of a T-shaped contoured unilocking titanium radial plate for prophylactic internal fixation of the radial osteocutaneous donor site

Abstract

The radial osteocutaneous flap retains a limited role in reconstructive maxillofacial surgery The application of prophylactic internal fixation, using straight 3.5 mm plates, has become established to substantially reduce the incidence of fracture at the radial donor site. New lower profile T-shaped 2.4 mm plates and anatomically contoured 3.5 mm plates are now available, both with unilocking screw fixation systems. These plates are easy to apply and allow the removal of up to 50% of the circumference of the radial bone, including the maximum amount of good quality bone from the distal radius. Although there have been no reports of complications as a result of a stress shielding effect with larger plates these refinements in plate design should lessen any remaining concerns.