Guide Flange Prosthesis for Deviation in Mandibulectomy Patients: A Case Report

Abstract

Common causes for mandibular surgical resection can be due to benign, malignant neoplasm, osteoradionecrosis. It can be total or segmental depending on the extension of lesion. This can lead to deviation of remaining mandibular segment towards the resected side and rotation inferiorly due to muscle pull and scar contracture affecting mastication and esthetics. Loss of continuity of the mandible leads to deviation of the residual segment towards the surgical site. Facial asymmetry and malocclusion are common consequenses due to alteration in muscle function in mandibulectomy patient. A corrective device known as 'guide flange prosthesis' is indicated to limit this clinical manifestation. Guide flange prosthesis serves as a training device. It can successfully guide the patient to close the mandible into the correct intercuspal position. This clinical report reveals the rehabilitation of patient who underwent hemisection of the mandible, subsequent to treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. He was successfully rehabilitated with mandibular guide flange prosthesis.