CASE REPORT Removal of Exposed Titanium Reconstruction Plate After Mandibular Reconstruction With a Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap With Large Surgical Pin Cutters: A Case Report and Literature Review

Locking reconstruction plates have led to significant improvement in osteosynthesis and graft anchorage in mandibular reconstruction following the free fibula osteocutaneous flap. Plate extrusion is the most common complication associated with mandibular reconstruction, occurring in approximately 20% to 48% of cases; often necessitating plate removal once the bone flap has united to the mandible. Radiation therapy is a known risk factor to the development of such a complication and it presents further challenges to the successful removal of the reconstruction plate. Several reports have been published regarding plate removal in the setting of orthopedics that describe the management of jammed or stripped locking screws, but few in the setting of mandibular reconstruction. In this case, we report the successful removal of an exposed titanium mandibular reconstruction plate from a 41-year-old woman 12 months after her initial reconstruction with a free fibula osteocutaneous flap and radiation therapy. The approach was selected because the chin and neck skin could not be expected to be raised for full plate exposure secondary to radiation-induced skin changes (thinning and friability). We also discuss the use of previously employed methods of plate removal in various settings as well as their inherent strengths and weaknesses.