REASONS FOR REMOVAL OF STAINLESS STEEL PLATES IN MANDIBULAR FRACTURE PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess incidences and reasons for the removal of stainless steel miniplates over a 2-year period in patients with mandibular fractures who had received treatment at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Ahmedabad Dental College And Hospital.

Material and Method. The medical records of all patients who underwent removal of bone plates after mandibular fractures were reviewed over a 2-year period (June 2013 to June 2015). Data concerning gender distribution, reason for removal, site of removal, and general medical factors were evaluated for each patient.

Results. Mandibular bone fractures in 114 cases were underwent open reduction and internal fixation using stainless steel miniplates and screws for osteosynthesis with that in 150 plates were fixated. From 114 cases, in 5 cases (4 males and 1 females), and from 150 bone plates, 8 bone plates were removed. Out of 8 boneplates, 3 were removed from mandibular symphysis region (37,4%), 3 from mandibular body region (37.4%), 1 from mandibular parasymphysis region (12.5%) and 1 from mandibular angle region. (12.5%).

Conclusions. Based on this study, the incidence of bone plate removal was relatively low. Mandibular symphysis and body was the common site of bone plate removal followed by mandibular parasymphysis and angle region. The most common cause for bone plate removal was infection/discharging sinus followed by pain, loosening of screws and paresthesia.