Use of stainless steel implants in facial bone reconstruction

Stainless steel has adequate strength, flexibility, ductility, and bio-compatibility for most maxillofacial implant applications. In addition, it is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture. Stainless steel may be effectively used in the maxillofacial region in the form of wires, pins, and plates. This article presents a technique for using a transmalar Steinmann pin to secure a midface prosthesis in cases of bilateral midfacial, bilateral maxillectomy, and total rhinectomy defects. The stainless steel pin may serve as a stable long-term anchoring if used for retention rather than load bearing. This method offers the potential for single-stage reconstruction and allows for prosthesis removal to inspect the surgical defect for early evidence of recurrence.