[Osteosynthesis systems in mouth, jaw and facial surgery]

The introduction of stable osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures in the late 1960s for trauma patients meant an increase in quality of life. Intermaxillary immobilization and time in hospital could be reduced significantly. Later on, miniplates became popular in most trauma centers to treat mandibular fractures. Compared to the technique of stable osteosynthesis, miniplating is less demanding and the complication rates are similar. In midfacial fractures, too, miniplate osteosynthesis could guarantee three-dimensional stability. With the help of microplates even the smallest bony structures can be fixed following reduction. Degradable plates, which are available today, are used for craniofacial and midfacial indications; however, up to now degradable plates are not suitable for load-bearing areas.