Temporalis muscle resuspension using titanium miniplates and screws: technical note
C M Barone1, D F Jimenez, M T Boschert
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, 65212, USA. baronec@health.missouri.edu
Objective:
To describe the technique for and results of using titanium miniplates and screws for resuspension of the temporalis muscle after osseous detachment during cranial procedures requiring exposure of and access to the frontotemporoparietal region.
Methods:
Thirty-four patients, who were being treated with various cranial procedures, underwent resuspension of the dissected temporalis muscle, using 1.5-mm or 1.3-mm titanium plates and screws, after bone flap replacement.
Results:
The temporalis muscle was successfully and securely resuspended in all cases, using the plates and screws. There were no infections, muscle tears, dislodgement, fractures, or temporal hollowing in any of the cases. In four cases that required re-exploration, the muscle was observed to be rigidly fixated and scarred to the bone.
Conclusion:
The use of titanium plates and screws is a safe, simple, successful alternative for reattachment of temporalis muscles for patients undergoing cranial procedures.
