Low-profile reconstruction plates for mandibular reconstruction. Is it a practical alternative?

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study was to to outline the performance of low profile 2.4-mm reconstruction plate in bridging segmental mandibular defects. Materials and methods:The study is a randomized clinical trial with a one-year follow up period. Patients requiring segmental resection was divided into Group I, managed with a low-profile 2.4-mm reconstruction plate, and Group II, managed with a regular 2.7-mm reconstruction plate. A long-term follow-up session was performed to outline plate related complications. Results: Twelve patients were included in this study and divided into two groups, and at the end of the follow up period one patient failed to recall. None of the cases in the study group suffered from plate related complications, while two cases reported major and minor Plate related complications in the control group. Conclusion: a 2.4-mm reconstruction plate utilized in the fixation and reconstruction of a segmental mandibular defect offers a more convenient fixation device with a comparable favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes as the conventional reconstruction plate.