{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Patient-specific 3D-printed mini-versus reconstruction plates for free flap fixation at the mandible: Retrospective study of clinical outcomes and complication rates.
{Author}: Kreutzer K;Lampert P;Doll C;Voss JO;Koerdt S;Heiland M;Steffen C;Rendenbach C;
{Journal}: J Craniomaxillofac Surg
{Volume}: 51
{Issue}: 10
{Year}: 2023 Oct 6
{Factor}: 3.192
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.09.019
{Abstract}: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patient-specific 3D-printed mini- and reconstruction plates for free flap fixation in mandibular reconstruction. A retrospective monocentric study was carried out between April 2017 and December 2021 to analyze patients undergoing immediate mandibular reconstruction using fibula free flaps and osteosynthesis using patient-specific 3D-printed implants. Eighty-three patients with a mean age of 63.6 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months. Patient-specific 3D-printed plates were designed as reconstruction plates (38 patients), miniplates (21 patients) or a combination of reconstruction- and miniplates (24 patients). With miniplates, plate removal was performed significantly more often via an intraoral approach (p < 0.001) and in an outpatient setting (p = 0.002). Univariate analysis showed a higher fistula rate with reconstruction plates (p = 0.037). Multivariate analysis showed no significant differences in complications. Case-control matching demonstrated significantly lower rates of fistula (p = 0.017) and non-union (p = 0.029) in the combined group. This retrospective study shows a tendency towards reduced complication rates with patient-specific 3D-printed miniplates in comparison to patient-specific 3D-printed reconstruction plates for immediate mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps.