Titanium Reconstruction Plate Exposure Following Mandibular Reconstruction in Malignancy – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Mandibular reconstruction with titanium reconstruction plate is modality whose main advantage lies in its cost effectiveness and lack of secondary morbidity. It is thus still in widespread use, in spite of the availability of large number of other more successful reconstructive options. However, it is also associated with large number of complications. Plate exposure is not an uncommon complication, necessitating plate removal. A case of carcinoma of the anterior alveolus of the mandible is treated with supraomohyoid neck dissection, and segmental resection of mandible on the left side, followed by reconstruction of the mandible with titanium reconstruction plate and nasolabial flap. Patient developed infection in surgical site and exposure of titanium reconstruction plate on 20 th post-operative day. Subsequently, the reconstruction plate was removed under general anesthesia, and infection was treated with antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity. Post-operative recovery following plate removal was uneventful. The present case report discusses the complication of an infected plate following a major head-and-neck surgery and a review of literature of titanium plate reconstruction.