[A novel miniplate model for maxillary osteotomies]

The use of miniplates in orthognatic surgery, and especially for Le Fort I osteotomies, has brought great improvement in technical aspects, postoperative evolution, and long-term stability. Nevertheless, accurate modelling of theses plates remains problematic because the right balance between malleability and rigidity is hard to determine. This is why we designed an original new miniplate model. The aim of this study was to assess our new model in clinical settings.

This novel plate was made of two lateral sockets with two holes on each side, linked by a central bar, 1mm thick like the plate. Three lengths were available. A mechanical study proved that this plate was stronger than a 0.6 millimeter thick plate and that its adaptability was much superior to that of a common 1-mm thick plate. We retrospectively studied 180 patients having undergone a Le Fort I osteotomy with or without mandibular osteotomy. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months. Congenital abnormalities were excluded.

Bone healing was achieved without any complication in due time for all but two patients. In one case, a plate fracture was observed. In the other case, a slight mobility of the upper jaw appeared after removal of the device. No intolerance was observed.

This novel miniplate seems to be improved when compared to other available devices. Rigid osteosynthesis of a Le Fort I osteotomy can be problematic because of the repositioning gap and the variable anatomy of the maxilla. The device must be rigid enough, inconspicuous, and well tolerated. Only three plate lengths are necessary to treat all cases, which reduces cost and storage. The only requirement is to mandatorily insert four plates every time. Removal of the plates does not seem necessary.