Evaluation of metal release and local tissue response to indigenous stainless steel miniplates used in facial fractures.

The issue of metal release from stainless steel bone plates has gained considerable momentum advocating the removal of stainless steel miniplates after healing of fracture. So far no study has been published in the literature regarding metal release with the indigenously manufactured stainless steel miniplates.Objective Aim of the study was to find any pathological changes at cellular and ultracellular levels and metal particles in the soft tissue surrounding the stainless steel miniplates.Method Retrieval of indigenous stainless steel implants, used in treatment of jaw fractures, samples of surrounding soft tissue were histopathologically assessed for tissue response as well as metal release, using light microscope and Transmitted Electron Microscope (TEM).Result Light microscopic examination revealed chronic inflammation in symptomatic cases, but TEM did not show any significant pathological alteration and metal deposits even in cases with clinically observed pigmentation. Short-term (upto 1 year) retention of stainless steel mini plates will not cause any significant local complications.