RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: There is still no consensus on the need for routine removal of titanium miniplates in the maxillofacial skeleton. The purpose of this 4-year prospective study was to evaluate the reasons for removal of titanium miniplates ("2.0mm") following maxillofacial trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 280 patients were evaluated concerning the number of plates inserted, the site of plating, the number of patients in whom plates were removed, the site of removal and the reasons for which removal of plates was indicated. RESULTS: In the 280 patients with facial trauma, 599 miniplates were used during this period. Thirty-seven miniplates were removed from 27 of these patients. The main causes for removal were infection and exposure of the plate in the oral cavity, patients' request and/or the plates being palpable. The nasofrontal region, the area around the anterior wall of the antrum and the body of the mandible proved to be the commonest regions where plate removal was required. CONCLUSION: The number of miniplates removed was small but not insignificant. There is no evidence from this study to support advice for the routine removal of titanium miniplates from the maxillofacial skeleton.