Salvage of the mandibular staple bone plate following bone infection

Two cases of previously unreported complications associated with implantation of a mandibular staple bone plate are presented. One was a proven case of chronic osteomyelitis, and the other had a close clinical and radiographic resemblance to osteomyelitis. It is suspected in both cases that complications were due to the use of a dull twist drill that caused local tissue injury. Differences in the clinical courses are believed to be related to the degree of oral hygiene after surgery, with a more severe infection occurring in the patient who maintained extremely poor home care. There is the possibility that some degree of osteoporosis was present in the same patient that may also have influenced the clinical course. While the salvage of implants in areas of osteomyelitis is controversial, it was shown to be justifiable in these cases. Crucial to such salvage is the selection of an antibiotic that is effective against the organisms involved and safe for prolonged use. Cefotaxime and clindamycin were used in the cases reported and proved to be effective and without adverse effect. Although it will take time to see to what degree bone refills the affected areas, it appears at present that the resorptive process has ceased and that bone regeneration is in progress. Prevention of the complications reported here is believed to be possible with the use of sharp drills, slow drilling speed, copious cool irrigation, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, and meticulous oral hygiene.