A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Policy of routine titanium miniplate removal after maxillofacial trauma
Authors: Thoren H, Snall J, Hallermann W, Kormi E, Tornwall J
Publisher: W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC
Publication year: 2008
Journal: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Journal acronym: J ORAL MAXIL SURG
Volume: 66
Issue: 9
First page : 1901
Last page: 1904
Number of pages: 4
ISSN: 0278-2391
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2008.03.009
Abstract
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. (C) 2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
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. (C) 2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
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