Background: Mandibular reconstruction following bony resection is crucial in cases of oral and mandibular tumors. Complications such as infection, plate exposure, or plate fracture can occur because of some risk factors after these reconstructive surgeries.
Objectives: The purpose of this study were to report some of the postoperative complications of reconstruction plates, and to analyze the risk factors associated with those complications.
Patients and methods: We analyzed clinical and radiological data of 19 patients who required mandibular reconstructive surgery. The complications related to plates were recorded and used as an objective measure of outcome.
Results: Plate-related complications developed in 8/19 patients. The complications involved screw loosening (n=2), plate fracture (n=2), plate exposure (n=3), and heat sensitivity (n=1). No significant differences were found in plate survival rate in relation to age or sex. Moreover, complications associated with plates developed in 73.68% of the patients with defect in the mandibular body crossing the midline of the mandible. Radiotherapy decreased the survival rate of the plates, as 60% of the irradiated patients had a higher risk of plate-related complications. and angle area and 100% of the patients who had defect crossing the midline of the mandible. Radiotherapy decreased the survival rate of the plates, as 60% of the irradiated patients had a higher risk of plate-related complications.
Conclusion: The survival rate of mandibular reconstruction plate relies on mechanical and biological risk factors in terms of site of mandibular defects and radiation therapy, respectively.