Case report reveals delayed inflammatory reaction to PLLA plates in an 18-year-old woman, suggesting need for long-term follow-up.
Resorbable plates are widely used in maxillofacial surgery; however, delayed inflammatory foreign body reactions have occasionally been reported. We describe a case of a delayed inflammatory foreign body reaction to poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) resorbable plates following genioplasty. An 18‐year‐old woman underwent genioplasty using PLLA resorbable plates and screws. Approximately 2 years after surgery, she developed progressive swelling and tenderness in the chin region. Computed tomography (CT) revealed localized bone resorption around the fixation device. Surgical removal of the degraded plate remnants, sequestrum, and surrounding inflammatory tissue was performed. Histopathological examination demonstrated granulation tissue containing PLLA fragments with a foreign body giant cell reaction. The postoperative course was uneventful, and bone regeneration was confirmed 1 year after removal. This case highlights that delayed inflammatory foreign body reactions to PLLA plates can occur years after genioplasty, particularly in regions with thin soft tissue coverage, and underscores the importance of long‐term follow‐up.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
MORIMOTO et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: