[Optimizing titanium osteosynthesis miniplates. Some basic considerations].

Most recently there seems to be a general turning away from the use of rectangular osteosynthesis miniplates in the treatment of maxillofacial fractures and in plastic surgery. Meanwhile a novel design based on circular arcs and connecting bars has been successfully employed. Its particular two-dimensional shape allows three-dimensional deformation without damaging the plates or the openings required for screw insertion. Apart from a reduced plate-bearing area and an increased torsional stability during adaptation to the bone surface, this new plate geometry and the complete system excells by its high tissue compatibility. This later characteristic is attributable to the choice of the bioinert material titanium, which has been processed into a special alloy.