Policy of consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons towards removal of miniplate components after jaw fracture fixation: pilot study

A pilot study was undertaken to find out the policy of the 23 consultant or al and maxillofacial surgeons in the West Midlands towards removal of minip lates after jaw fractures had healed, All 23 replied, Two consultants did n ot use miniplates; the other 21 respondents used titanium systems, and two also used a stainless steel system, None of the 21 respondents routinely re moved all miniplates. The estimated total of miniplates removed after the f racture had healed ranged between 5% and 40% (mode 5%), The main indication s for removal were wound infection or dehiscence, before construction of a prosthesis, patients' concern about permanent retention of an implant, and thermal conductivity, We conclude that miniplates and screws are removed ma inly to treat symptoms caused by the implants.