Titanium mesh (TiMesh) osteosynthesis: a fast and adaptable method of semi-rigid fixation.

Titanium mesh has been used in the USA for the fixation of fractures of the facial skeleton since the Vietnam war. Despite the increasing use of titanium mesh osteosynthesis for trauma, orthognathic and reconstructive surgery in the USA, it is only in recent years that it has gained acceptance in Europe. This paper appraises the original titanium mesh osteosynthesis system (TiMesh) in a wide range of surgical contexts in the maxillofacial region. It has been found to be quick and reliable in placement, highly adaptable and to have considerably reduced the operating time. Its further potential advantages in reducing stress-shielding and improving functional bone healing due to its semi-rigid nature are discussed.