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 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the West Midlands towards removal of miniplates after jaw fractures had healed. All 23 replied. Two consultants did not use miniplates; the other 21 respondents used titanium systems, and two also used a stainless steel system. None of the 21 respondents routinely removed all miniplates. The estimated total of miniplates removed after the fracture had healed ranged between 5% and 40% (mode 5%). The main indications 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 mainly to treat symptoms caused by the implants.