Policy of routine titanium miniplate removal after maxillofacial trauma

Thoren, Hanna; Snäll, Johanna; Hallermann, Wock; Kormi, Eeva; Törnwall, Jyrki (2008). Policy of routine titanium miniplate removal after maxillofacial trauma. Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 66(9), pp. 1901-4. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Elsevier 10.1016/j.joms.2008.03.009

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PURPOSE: The literature shows that hardware removal rates after the fixation of maxillofacial fractures with miniplates are not insignificant. The aim of the present survey was to clarify the policies of Finnish oral and maxillofacial consultants for the removal of titanium miniplates after the treatment of facial fractures in adults. Additional aims were to clarify the factors influencing plate removal policy in general, and the reasons for routine plate removal in particular. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons responded to a questionnaire about miniplate removal policy after treating 5 types of simple, noncomminuted fractures. RESULTS: Overall, routine plate removal was uncommon. However, 12 consultants (46.2%) routinely removed the plate after treating mandibular angle fractures, and simultaneously extracted the third molar because of an increased risk of infection. Most respondents (88.5%) stated that clinical experience guided their plate-removal policy. A policy of routine plate removal was most infrequent among the consultants who had the most experience. CONCLUSIONS: The literature provides no definitive answer to the question of whether routine removal of miniplates could or should be indicated, and in what situations. Considering the fairly significant frequency of plate-related complications in general and infection-related complications in particular, long-term follow-up after treatment is indicated.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Head Organs and Neurology (DKNS) > Clinic of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery

UniBE Contributor:

Thoren, Hanna Agneta, Hallermann, Wock Fritz

ISSN:

0278-2391

ISBN:

18718398

Publisher:

Elsevier

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 15:05

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:20

Publisher DOI:

10.1016/j.joms.2008.03.009

PubMed ID:

18718398

Web of Science ID:

000258891300017

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/28145 (FactScience: 117581)

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