The outcome of various cements in combination with titanium reconstruction plates after segmental resection of the mandible

We report on 82 patients who had segmental resection of the mandible and immediate reconstruction with titanium plates, which were supplemented by polymethylmethacrylate cement (n = 32), glass ionomer cement (n = 27), silicone (n = 9), or nothing (n = 14). The mean (S.D.) follow-up time was 92 (26) months. Six months after operation, 27 (46%) of the plates with polymethylmethacrylate cement or glass ionomer cement were removed. During the same time period, four (28%) of the plates were removed in the group with no additional material and two (22%) in the group that had silicone. There was a significant difference in survival time of the metal between the group with silicone and the group with glass ionomer cement (p = 0.014, log rank). Although silicone performed slightly better than the reconstruction plate on its own, we doubt whether any cement is necessary.