CRITICAL-REVIEW OF MICROFIXATION IN PEDIATRIC CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY

The migration or passive intracranial translocation of microplates and screws in the pediatric craniofacial patient has been reported. A ret rospective review was undertaken to clarify the incidence of microplat e translocation and identify potential clinical implications. Computed tomographic imaging demonstrated internalization of microfixation in 14 of 27 pediatric patients. Statistically significant factors for mic roplate translocation include longer plates (p < 0.05) and those place d in the temporal region (p < 0.001). Younger patients and those with syndromic craniofacial dysostosis also had a higher incidence of trans location. Specific complications relating to the translocation of micr oplates were not found in any patient. The direct effects of transloca ted microplates and screws on the underlying brain and dura remain unc lear.