[Long-term experiences with large bridge-work after partial resection of the lower jaw]

In a period of 12 years 121 bridging plates were implanted for the reconstruction of madibular defects following radical tumour surgery. 60 (49.6%) of these implants had to be removed prematurely due to: 1. postoperative perforation of the plate through either skin or oral mucosa, 2. implant fracture, 3. infection of the graft bed, 4. postoperative dehiscence and remaining fistula. Inadequate soft tissue coverage of the bridging plate is discussed as the main reason for the above mentioned complications.