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 3.5mm plates, has become established to substantially reduce the incidence of fracture at the radial donor site. New lower profile T-shaped 2.4mm plates and anatomically contoured 3.5mm 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.

Keywords: Radius, Donor site, Fracture, Morbidity, Plate, Prophylactic fixation, Unilocking, Anatomically, Contoured plate, Distal radial plate