The effect of rigid internal fixation on cranial growth.

As the use of rigid internal fixation of the facial skeleton has become routine in adults, many craniofacial surgeons have expanded its use to the pediatric population. The effects of miniplate and screw fixation on subsequent craniofacial growth, however, have not been examined. Using 6-week-old rabbits as an experimental model, miniplates were placed across the right coronal suture. Calvarial changes were measured by direct osteometry on dry skull preparations. Compared with the control group, a significant reduction in growth was noted across the plated suture and adjacent bones. Because secondary growth disturbances can be produced with the use of these fixation devices, their use in the pediatric population should be viewed cautiously.