Shaping of comminuted midface fractures with stock Titanium mesh: a technical note

Abstract

Multiply fragmented fractures of the maxillofacial region are difficult to fix with traditional miniplate osteosynthesis because of the extremely small size of fragments, complex three-dimensional anatomy, thin bone unable to hold screws and multidirectional pull of muscles. We intend to present a technical note on a case series of extremely comminuted midfacial fractures reconstructed with stock Titanium mesh, cut to shape and used to mold the small fragmented segments into the shape of the facial bones. Severe fragmentation of midface leads to facial hollowing, tissue prolapse and asymmetry even after major facial buttresses are fixed and reconstructed. Simple stock Titanium mesh can be used to reconstruct these severe fragmentations of thin bones of the midface as shown in the series and avoid late and unsightly complications.