Causes and Incidence of Miniplate Removal Following Le Fort I Osteotomy

Aim: This study assessed the causes and incidence of miniplate removal during a 5-year period after Le Fort I osteotomy. Patients and methods: One hundred forty-two patients had plates inserted for fixation of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy between 2001 and 2004. The Le Fort I segment was rigidly fixed with four 2-mm titanium miniplates and 16 screws. They were followed 1 to 5 years for plate complications and need for plate removal. Results: Fifteen of 142 patients (10.6%), 9 females and 6 males, required plate removal. The minimum time period between insertion and removal was 4 months and the maximum period was 18 months. Causes for removal were as follows: infection (40%), pain (13.3%); sinusitis (13.3%); sensitivity to temperature change (13.3%); palpability of plate (13.3%); and phobia (6.8%). Conclusion: In this study, the number of miniplates removed was small and required removal no sooner than 4 months postoperatively (after complete bony union), thus not compromising healing. There is no evidence from this study to support the routine removal of titanium miniplate after Le Fort I osteotomy, rather they should be removed when indicated.