Local and systemic effects of 103 titanium miniplates implanted for jaw reduction were studied.
Fifty patients who had undergone jaw reduction using titanium miniplates were studied. No patient experienced an allergic reaction related to a plate during the period of implantation. At the time of their removal, almost no fibrous connective tissue existed between bone and the plates. Scanning electron microscopy revealed both corrosion pits and superficial stress fractures on the surface of some plates. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry did not detect the elution of any Ti from the plate into surrounding connective tissue.
The present findings suggest that jaw reduction using titanium miniplate produces minimal local and systemic reactions when the plate is removed after its intended purpose has been achieved. However, further studies are needed to recommend the use of the titanium miniplate as a permanent fixing device for jaw reduction as surface corrosion of the plates remains an unsolved problem.