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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Lateral oromandibular defect: when is it appropriate to use a bridging reconstruction plate combined with a soft
Douglas B Chepeha1, Theodoros N Teknos, Kevin Fung
1Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0312, USA. dchepeha@umich.edu
Background:
A quasi-experimental retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate a new concept of free tissue volume restoration combined with bridging reconstruction plate (compartment approach) to reduce plate-related complication rates.
Methods:
We evaluated 40 patients with large lateral mandible defects and associated complex soft tissue defects reconstructed with a revascularized soft tissue flap and titanium hollow screw reconstruction plates. A case-control comparison was performed based on reconstruction type: restoration of soft tissue defect (conventional approach-group 1) versus over-reconstruction of soft tissue defect (compartment approach-group 2).
Results:
Plate exposure rate was 6 of 16 (38%) in group 1 versus 2 of 24 (8%) in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .04). The mean time to exposure was 10 months. Plate fracture rate was 6 of 23 (26.1%) in dentulous patients versus 1 of 17 (5.9%) in edentulous patients. Gastrostomy tube dependence was 6 of 16 (38%) in group 1 versus 6 of 24 (25%) in group 2.
Conclusion:
The "compartment approach" reduces plate exposure rate and gastrostomy tube dependence. Revascularized osseocutaneous reconstruction is still required in dentulous patients.