Indication of self-drilling srews in craniomaxillofacial surgery

The clinical use of AO/ASIF 1.5 and 2.0 self-drilling screw (Synthes)were evaluated in different locations and indications in the craniomaxillofacial area. The handling and fixation properties and torque measurements in bone of different thickness and quality were evaluated with 334 screws in 28 patients. Ease of insertion without previous drilling.Insertion torque was increased compared to self-tapping screws. Torque measurements 6 months after insertion demonstrated good anchorage of the self-drilling screws similar to the self-tapping screws. Miniplate osteosynthesis and the fixation of bone grafts using self-drilling screws proved to be reliable. Although in dense cortical bone of 3-4 mm in thickness the use of self-drilling screws may be limited, in our opinion the excellent clinical results in the craniofacial region will result in a broad acceptance within craniomaxillofacial surgery. Keywords: craniomaxillofacial surgery, self-drilling, bone screws