Removal of miniplates in maxillofacial surgery: a follow-up study.

PURPOSE: We sought to follow-up a cohort of patients who had miniplates (plates) inserted in the oral and maxillofacial region during a 13-month period over 4 years to study the incidence and factors associated with plate removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-three patients had plates inserted in the oral and maxillofacial region in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, UK, between November 1, 1998, and November 30, 1999. All 153 patients' records were revisited on or after October 31, 2002, giving a minimum follow-up of 3 years and a maximum of 4 years. RESULTS: During a period of 13 months (November 1, 1998 through November 30, 1999), 308 plates were inserted into 153 patients. A total of 32 plates were removed from 21 patients by October 31, 2002, (10.4%) over 4 years; 27 plates were removed from 16 patients for purely plate-related symptoms, with infection being the most common cause accounting for 16 plates (50%) in 9 patients. Symptoms necessitating plate removal occurred within 52 weeks after insertion in 16 patients, accounting for 23 of the plates removed (72%). The age of the patient at plate insertion may have some influence on plate removal but this was not significant. Seniority of the operator did not affect plate removal. CONCLUSION: Our experience with the removal of miniplates compares with previously published reports. Longitudinal follow-up at 4 years indicates that plate-related problems leading to removal are likely to occur in the first year after insertion.