Surface analysis of indigenous stainless steel miniplates used in facial fractures

The stainless steel (SS) implants are economical and easily available. Tissue reaction due corrosion of metallic plates and release of metal particles in surrounding soft tissues is the main reason put forward by advocates of removal of SS miniplates after period of fracture healing. The objectives of this study were to examine the surfaces changes and corrosion in relation to indigenously manufactured SS mini-plates, both due to intraoperative instrumentation and tissue reaction. The composition of these mini-plates and any metal release in surrounding soft tissues was also studied.

Total ten plates retrieved from fracture sites, after a period of 4-12 months (mean 8 months), were studied with the help of scanning electron microscope for roughness and corrosive changes. EDX study was done to know the composition of plates and metal release from the plates.

Our study found the above parameters were comparable to previously reported studies in the international journals

Though no major corrosion and tissue reaction was observed in this study a long term study will be required for absolute recommendation regarding necessity of removal of indigenous SS plates on regular basis.