ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This report reviews the results and complications of immediate reconstruction using a single stainless steel A-O plate after resection of mandibles invaded by malignant tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients were retrospectively evaluated. According to the extent of the tumor, hemimandibulectomy or segmental resection were performed in 4 and 30 cases, respectively. Five of 34 cases required a myocutaneous flap to close soft tissue defects. RESULTS: Nine of the 34 patients died during the follow-up period. Complications occurred in 7 of these patients: plate exposure was caused by local tumor recurrence (4 cases), screw loosening (1 case), and temporomandibular joint pain (2 cases). Twenty-five of the 34 patients (73.5%) were alive, with a mean follow-up of 47.4 months (range 6 to 115 months). Eighteen of the 25 surviving patients with the single A-O plate reconstruction did not show any complications. Thirteen of these (52%) patients had not undergone secondary reconstruction. Five of the 25 patients received secondary reconstruction for cosmetic or masticatory function reasons. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 of the 25 surviving patients (28%): extraoral plate exposure (2 cases), fracture of the plate (1 case), mandibular fracture (1 case), screw loosening (3 cases), and screw fracture (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the findings, it was concluded that a single A-O reconstruction plate can be used for temporary, or sometimes even permanent, reconstruction after mandibular resection.
