Evaluation of surface changes of stainless steel miniplates and screws following retrieval

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the surface changes like corrosion, surface roughness, micro-fractures and tensile strength of stainless steel mini plates and screws. The study was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Meghna Institute of Dental Sciences, Nizamabad for a duration of 3 years. Around 34 stainless steel miniplates and 101 stainless steel screws complied to treat maxillofacial fractures of 20 patients for the rigid internal fixation were retrieved. Then the surface changes like corrosion, surface roughness, micro-fractures were evaluated using stereo microscope and scanning electron microscope whereas the tensile strength was measured using a universal testing machine.: The surface roughness and micro-fractures were seen in 100% of the stainless steel miniplates and screws whereas corrosion degradation was seen in 65%. Thereafter, when the tensile strength was evaluated, a mean value of 497N was found to be exhibited by the retrieved miniplates which was enough to withstand the masticatory forces. Through our study, we emphasize to the need for the proper handling techniques to be followed at the time of implant placements so as to avoid implants failures and occurring of other biogenic complications.