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Lateral oromandibular defect: When is it appropriate to use a bridging reconstruction plate combined with a soft tissue revascularized flap?

✍ Scribed by Douglas B. Chepeha; Theodoros N. Teknos; Kevin Fung; Josef Shargorodsky; Assuntina G. Sacco; Brian Nussenbaum; Lamont Jones; Avraham Eisbruch; Carol R. Bradford; Mark E. Prince; Jeffrey S. Moyer; Julia S. Lee; Gregory T. Wolf


Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Year
2008
Tongue
English
Weight
186 KB
Volume
30
Category
Article
ISSN
1043-3074

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✦ Synopsis


Abstract

Background

A quasi‐experimental retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate a new concept of free tissue volume restoration combined with bridging reconstruction plate (compartment approach) to reduce plate‐related complication rates.

Methods

We evaluated 40 patients with large lateral mandible defects and associated complex soft tissue defects reconstructed with a revascularized soft tissue flap and titanium hollow screw reconstruction plates. A case‐control comparison was performed based on reconstruction type: restoration of soft tissue defect (conventional approach—group 1) versus over‐reconstruction of soft tissue defect (compartment approach—group 2).

Results

Plate exposure rate was 6 of 16 (38%) in group 1 versus 2 of 24 (8%) in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .04). The mean time to exposure was 10 months. Plate fracture rate was 6 of 23 (26.1%) in dentulous patients versus 1 of 17 (5.9%) in edentulous patients. Gastrostomy tube dependence was 6 of 16 (38%) in group 1 versus 6 of 24 (25%) in group 2.

Conclusion

The “compartment approach” reduces plate exposure rate and gastrostomy tube dependence. Revascularized osseocutaneous reconstruction is still required in dentulous patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008