Variables Related to Plate Removal Needs Following Mandibular Sagittal Split Osteotomy.

AIM

This study analyzed the factors associated with osteosynthesis removal in patients who underwent a mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy. A retrospective analysis of 116 patients undergoing SSRO between 2022 and 2024 was conducted.

METHODS

Variables such as age, sex, skeletal class, type of movement, and time to removal of the osteosynthesis plates were evaluated. Spearman and Mann-Whitney tests were performed, considering a value P<0.05 as a significant difference to determine associations between these variables and the need for osteosynthesis removal. Two hundred thirty-two SSRO were analyzed, and 292 osteosynthesis plates were installed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (21.55%) required plate removal, with a higher prevalence in women (P<0.02). The main cause of removal was plate exposure with or without wound infection (80.39%). Subjects with skeletal class II had a higher incidence of complications (P<0.03), especially those with larger mandibular movements. Plate removal occurred at an average of 7.5±6.1 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteosynthesis removal after SSRO should be performed selectively and is primarily related to subjects with a class II facial deformity.