Advances in Plate and Screw Technology: Thoughts on Design and Clinical Applications

ABSTRACT

The most obvious advances in plate and screw technology for craniofacial application, since their introduction more than 30 years ago, have been the downsizing of orthopedic small fragment fixation systems to more anatomically appropriate sizes and the conversion of these systems to titanium. Recent changes in the philosophy of mandibular fracture fixation include the use of smaller monocortical plates with the associated modification in their shaft length and curvature. The most ``cutting-edge'' advances have been the introduction of Torx head screws that are power driven, self-drilling screws, and the development of locking plate and screw technology for both the mandible and midface. Other advances include the design of contourable mesh and anatomically specific plates such as internal orbital and strut plates. The routine use of endoscopically assisted fracture fixation is on the horizon and, along with it, the need for the development of anatomically specific, endoscope-friendly plates.

KEYWORDS

Locking plates - Torx head - self-drilling screws - anatomic orbital plates - strut plates - contourable mesh

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