Maintenance of function and esthetics after partial mandibulectomy without bone grafting.

Partial mandibulectomy done for en bloc resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer often produces a characteristic deviation of the chin toward the resected side. This results in esthetic, masticatory, and speech disabilities. The Joe Hall Morris biphase external pin fixation appliance was used in 20 patients, with excellent results in preventing such complications. In 12 to 14 weeks it maintained excellent stability of the remaining mandibular segments, which prevented muscle and scar contracture. None of the patients required bone grafting or other reconstructive surgery. The appliances also allowed the patients to open their mouths for intraoral care in the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative radiation or chemotherapy could be initiated without delay while the appliances were in place.