Internal fixation of maxillofacial fractures: indications and current implant technologies and materials

Rigid fixation techniques are frequently utilized for the repair of maxillofacial skeletal injuries. This paper reviews the commonly available implants and materials along with their typical indications. The focus is primarily on the most recent trends and developments. Latticework plates and meshes provide greater fixation strength with smaller amounts of metal; modern reconstruction plates allow for fixation of the screws directly to the plates; self-drilling screws make application faster and easier. Resorbable implants made of various polyester polymers are now available, though their indications remain limited thus far. Future developments are discussed as well, including the advent of endoscopic plate placement and image-guided skeletal repositioning.