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Efficacy of small reconstruction plates in vascularized bone graft mandibular reconstruction
Author(s) -
Farwell D. Gregory,
Kezirian Eric J.,
Heydt Jennifer L.,
Yueh Bevan,
Futran Neal D.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20455
Subject(s) - medicine , dentistry , orthodontics , biomedical engineering
Background: Utilization of vascularized bone grafts rigidly fixated with titanium reconstruction plates is the method of choice for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. We hypothesized that the use of the newer 2.0‐mm locking reconstruction plate (LRP) is not associated with higher rates of complications when compared with larger, previously used plating systems. Methods: A retrospective case series of 184 patients undergoing 185 vascularized bone graft reconstruction procedures of the mandible was conducted. Results: There were 37 plate complications. There was no significant difference in complication rates for the 2 most used plate types (14.5% with the 2.0‐mm LRP and 22.2% with the 2.4‐mm LRP). Conclusions: Use of the smaller 2.0‐mm LRP was not associated with an increase in the complications of plate fracture, exposure, infection, or nonunion. Because of its lower profile and ease of application, the 2.0‐mm LRP is our plate of choice for mandibular reconstruction. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006