Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Site Infection After Titanium Plate Removal Following Orthognathic Surgery

TL;DR

This study found that patients who had surgical site infections after orthognathic surgery are more likely to get infections again when titanium plates are removed.

Contribution

The study identifies a history of surgical site infection as a novel independent risk factor for post-removal infection.

Findings

43 out of 174 patients developed surgical site infections after plate removal.

A prior surgical site infection was the only independent risk factor for post-removal infection (OR 2.476).

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate associations between surgical site infection (SSI) and plate removal following orthognathic surgery. Methods: The study sample consisted of 191 patients (126 females, 65 males). Plate removal was performed in 174 patients with a mean age of 26.4 ± 9.7 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors for SSI after plate removal. Results: Forty-three patients developed SSI after plate removal. The only risk factor independently associated with SSI after plate removal was a history of SSI after orthognathic surgery (OR 2.476, 95% CI 1.040–5.892). Conclusions: Patients who experience SSI after orthognathic surgery are at higher risk of SSI after plate removal, so protocols for perioperative management should be carefully considered.