Downgrafting with HA block, stability after hardware removal

[Greenlit]

Hello everyone !

I posted here several years ago, and I went through with a DJS with posterior downgrafting of the maxilla. This cured my sleep apnea, and the aesthetic part is way better.
Unfortunately, I had issues with infections on a maxillary plate (including one severe at 8 months post-op, 3 months ago), and I ended up removing everything because of it.

Surgeon told me no "non union" and the maxilla is stable. I am sending him an email asking the same as you guys, but wanted additionnal opinions:
Are there risks with the HA block used for the downgraft of the maxilla of "moving" without the screws/plates ? Of it getting fragile ? I have nightmares about the maxilla falling down without the plates... lol
For now I'll stop doing contact sports.

Thanks for the help !

[kavan]

Many surgeons suggest removing the plates after union has established because they are no longer needed and risk infection. So, I think you will be OK.

[Greenlit]

Thanks for the reply Kavan. Do we have any data regarding the strenght of the union, compared to "bone on bone"  ?

[kavan]

Thanks for the reply Kavan. Do we have any data regarding the strenght of the union, compared to "bone on bone"  ?

You don't have 'bone on bone'. You have a graft. So question about 'data' in my possession about bone on bone is an extraneous fly in after providing the salient info. What I can say is that hydroxyappatite grafts, if those are used which is often the case if you have a significant downgraft made from a material other than your own bone,...those grafts are porous and the bone grows into them to stabilize the union which the doctor told you you had.

[Greenlit]

You don't have 'bone on bone'. You have a graft. So question about 'data' in my possession about bone on bone is an extraneous fly in after providing the salient info. What I can say is that hydroxyappatite grafts, if those are used which is often the case if you have a significant downgraft made from a material other than your own bone,...those grafts are porous and the bone grows into them to stabilize the union which the doctor told you you had.

My bad, I phrased the question the wrong way. I wonder about the strenght of "bone on bone" union VS "graft on bone" (my case). Imagine getting a car accident, or getting punched, or a ball in the face.... that's what I meant by data regarding the strenght.

[kavan]

My bad, I phrased the question the wrong way. I wonder about the strenght of "bone on bone" union VS "graft on bone" (my case). Imagine getting a car accident, or getting punched, or a ball in the face.... that's what I meant by data regarding the strenght.

I have addressed the MAIN concern expressed in the TITLE of your initial post.

[Greenlit]

Fair enough. Thanks