Plate removal following orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to analyze outcomes with miniplates in orthognathic surgery and define risk factors resulting in plate removal.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical files of 570 orthognathic surgery patients operated between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed: 203 had a bimaxillary operation, 310 a lower jaw osteotomy, and 57 an upper jaw osteotomy. Age, sex, and jaw movement were analyzed. Reasons for hardware removal were recorded.

RESULTS: Hardware was removed in 157 patients (27.5%). Seventy-eight patients (13.7%) needed removal because of plate-related infection; 66 (11.6%) because of clinical irritation; 5 (0.9%) for dental implant placement; and 8 (1.4%) for other reasons. Average time between operation and removal was 9.9 months. More women (31.7%) than men (20.3%) had plates removed, but age was not a factor except with infection.

CONCLUSIONS: More than a quarter of patients developed complications from plates and screws, necessitating their removal, and infection occurred in 13.7%. Prompt removal constituted adequate management.