Recent reports have raised the concern that the two miniplate fixation technique for mandibular symphysis and body fractures may lead to greater complications than previously thought. However, it is possible that the surgical exposure and methods of soft tissue closure may be a major contributor to plate exposure. In this article, we detail a technique for vascularized tissue coverage of the hardware used to repair these mandibular fractures. We believe that this soft tissue coverage is crucial for minimizing complications associated with plate fixation.
CordeiroPGHidalgoDASoft tissue coverage of mandibular reconstruction platesHead Neck19946112–115
2.
KlotchDWPreinJMandibular reconstruction using AO platesAm J Surg1987154384–388
3.
ViolAPradkaSBaumeisterS, et al. Soft-tissue defects and exposed hardware: a review of indications for soft-tissue reconstruction and hardware preservationPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Issue20091231256–1263
4.
EllisEIIIA study of 2 bone plating methods for fractures of the mandibular symphysis/bodyJ Oral Maxillofac Surg2011691978–1987
5.
McCormickSUSternJCSplit mentalis flap for reconstruction of the anterior mandibleJ Oral Maxillofac Surg1996541031–1033
6.
HochbergJArdenghyMYuenJ, et al. Muscle and musculocutaneous flap coverage of exposed spinal fusion devicesPlast Reconstr Surg1998102385–389; discussion 390–392
7.
CienfuegosRCorneliusCPEllisEIIIKushnerGMandible–Body: simple–ORIF In: KushnerG, ed. AO Foundation, AO Surgery Reference Online reference: www.aofoundation.org/wps/portal
