Evaluation of surface changes of stainless steel miniplates and screws following retrieval from maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery patients: A comparative study.

Background: Metal implants have the potential to degrade body fluids. Corrosive degradation has been demonstrated in laboratory tests, both under simulated clinical conditions and by electrochemical methods, as well as in studies of retrieved metal implants. The clinical importance of degradation of metal implants is evidenced by particulate corrosion and wear products in tissue surrounding the implant, which may ultimately lead to bone loss.