Comparison of implant materials used in maxillofacial rigid internal fixation

The concept of using metal plates for the alteration or repair of the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) skeleton is based on the ability to mimic the support and protective functions of bone, either temporarily or permanently, with minimal effect on bone healing, remodeling, and growth while avoiding toxicity to surrounding and distant tissues. Plating systems currently available for CMF rigid internal fixation are made from stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, and titanium alloys. Each material exhibits the basic biomechanical and biocompatibility requirements to be acceptable clinically, but there are subtle and significant differences that may influence the choice of one material over another for a given clinical situation. This article reviews concepts of strength, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, adverse reactions, and imaging characteristics for all three plating materials in addition to how these factors influence clinical choices.