EFFICACY OF INDIGENOUSLY MANUFACTURED TITANIUM BONE PLATES AND SCREWS IN MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY.

Titanium plates and screws (implants) developed indigenously by DRDO were used to manage 20 patients with maxillofacial fractures. Efficacy of these implants was evaluated clinically and radiographically so that these can be put into use on routine basis. In 18 patients recovery was uneventful. Extended maxillomandibullar fixation was employed for 3 to 7 days only depending on the degree and displacement of fractures and; mobilisation of jaw was allowed fully from 7th post operative day onwards. 2 patients developed discharging sinus at the fractured mandibular angle region which was due to impacted mandibular third molar in the line of fracture. This healed completely after extraction of offending tooth and appropriate medication. There was no occlusal or nerve disturbances, wound dehiscence or rejection of the bone implant. Radiographical evaluation at various intervals showed good alignment, approximation and sound healing of fractured fragments, with complete osteointegration.