FALSE MIGRATION OF RIGID FIXATION APPLIANCES IN PEDIATRIC CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY

Osseous fixation techniques have been widely used to provide rigid sta bilization in the craniofacial skeleton. Reported sequelae of its usag e has been limited to palpation of the screw-plate system and radiolog ical imaging artifacts. Over the past 3 years we have identified minip lates, microplates, and wire sutures on the inner cranial table of the growing child. The observation of ''false'' migration of these applia nces has provided the impetus to review these patients in more detail. Twenty patients underwent secondary cranial remodeling within a two-y ear period; 7 of these patients were seen to have ''false'' migration. There were no untoward sequelae in removal of these appliances, and n o adverse neurological symptoms were seen.