ORIGINAL ARTICLE LATERAL OROMANDIBULAR DEFECT: WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO USE A BRIDGING RECONSTRUCTION PLATE COMBINED WITH A SOFT TISSUE REVASCULARIZED FLAP?

Abstract: Background. A quasi-experimental retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate a new concept of free tissue vol-ume restoration combined with bridging reconstruction plate (com-partment 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 (con-ventional approach—group 1) versus over-reconstruction of soft tis-sue 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 statisti-cally significant (p 5.04). The mean time to exposure was 10 months. Plate fracture rate was 6 of 23 (26.1%) in dentulou