Reconstruction plates used in the surgery for mandibular discontinuity defect

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Mandibular discontinuity defects require surgical reconstruction.
• Reconstruction plates are commonly used, but their survival rates and associated complications require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the survival rate of reconstruction plates used in treating mandibular discontinuity defects.
• To identify factors influencing plate survival, including patient demographics, defect characteristics, and surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data from 36 patients with mandibular discontinuity defects.
• Evaluation of reconstruction plate survival based on age, gender, defect location, defect size, bone grafting, coronoidectomy, and postoperative radiation therapy (RT).

Main Results:

• Plate-related complications occurred in 8 patients, necessitating plate removal in 7.
• Plate survival was not significantly affected by age, gender, defect location, defect size, or bone grafting.
• Coronoidectomy and postoperative RT were found to influence plate survival rates.
• Early complications (mean 9.25 months) were primarily plate fractures, while later complications (mean 35.75 months) were mainly screw loosening.

Conclusions:

• Understanding time-dependent complication risks, such as plate fracture and screw loosening, is crucial.
• Coronoidectomy is recommended to mitigate complications.
• Postoperative RT can negatively impact reconstruction plate survival and hazard rates.