Treatment of severe mandibular fractures using AO reconstruction plates.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the use of 2.4-mm AO titanium reconstruction plates for mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed the clinical and radiologic data of 63 patients with 63 single fractures (53 comminuted, 5 dislocated, and 5 with bone loss) and 2 patients with double fractures. Fracture location was symphysis in 37 patients (56.9%), body in 13 (20%), and angle in 15 (23.1%). We recorded the mechanism of injury, time between injury and surgery, gender and age, temporary maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) and its duration, and surgical approach. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, at which time we noted the status of healing and any complications. RESULTS Fifty patients (77%) had a successful treatment outcome without complications; 13 patients (20%) developed minor complications; and 2 patients (3%) developed nonunion with infection requiring hardware removal and reosteosynthesis with bone graft. CONCLUSIONS We found that 2.4-mm AO titanium reconstruction plates can be used to treat severe mandibular fractures with a low rate of major complications (3%) and a high success rate.