Evaluation of surface changes of stainless steel miniplates and screws following retrieval from maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery patients: A comparative study

Background: Metal implants have the potential to degrade body fluids. Corrosive degradation has been demonstrated in laboratory tests, both under simulated clinical conditions and by electrochemical methods, as well as in studies of retrieved metal implants. The clinical importance of degradation of metal implants is evidenced by particulate corrosion and wear products in tissue surrounding the implant, which may ultimately lead to bone loss. Materials and Methods: The present study is to evaluate the surface changes such as corrosion, surface roughness, and microfractures and for the tensile strength of 18 stainless steel miniplates and 18 stainless steel screws which were used as rigid internal fixation in the management of maxillofacial fractures and orthognathic surgeries. Results: In this study, surface roughness and microfractures were found in all the miniplates and screws that is 100%. Corrosion degradation was found in 12 of 18 plates that is 66.66%. Conclusion: Our results through scanning electron microscopy and stereo electron microscopy showed surface roughness, microfractures, and corrosion. However, tensile strength was not affected when the plates were in situ . Through our study, we recommend their retrieval after the purposes of rigid fixation have been fulfilled.