Abstract
Objectives: To determine the rate of plate removal in orthognathic and trauma procedures requiring the use of metal plates, and determine reasons for plate removal and duration of plate life, to inform the consenting process. Materials: A four year retrospective review of operating theatre records identified all procedures where plates were inserted and removed. Records were categorised by trauma vs non trauma, primary procedure, reason for plate removal, age, sex and duration of plate being in situ. Results: 4044 procedures were carried out Sep 2012 to Sep 2016. Six hundred and thirty (630) of these involved plate insertion, and 72 involved plate removal. Mean age was 34 years, 69% male. Removal rates for common procedures included 16/165 bilateral sagittal split osteotomies, 9/136 le fort one osteotomies, 33/218 open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) mandible, 3/29 ORIF midface and 2/21 ORIF orbital floor. Average duration of plates being in situ was 1225 days (median 433 days, range 31 – 51037). Conclusion: Plate removal is a significant source of morbidity following OMFS surgery. Accurate knowledge of rates and reasons for removal of plates in common procedures is necessary for informed consent.
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