[Possible applications for micro-plates in ENT surgery].

Microplates are smaller and more ductile than miniplates. We used microplates for fixation of fractures in children (seven cases), reconstruction of isolated frontal sinus wall fractures (39 cases), fixation of lateral mid-facial fractures (79 cases), fractures of the nasoethmoidal complex (14 cases), for different osteoplastic procedures (40 cases) and for laryngoplasty (three cases). Thirty fractures of the lateral mid-face were treated only with microplates. In these cases, reposition of the fractured bones was easily achieved and treatment was performed only a few days after the trauma. In 49 cases with unstable fractures after reposition, microplates and miniplates were combined for fixation. It is very important to assess the indications for different types of plates (miniplates or microplates) individually in every case. Because of the excellent biocompatibility of titanium and the low rate of local complications after internal fixation with microplates, it is usually not necessary to remove the plates.