Can Titanium in neck cause headaches?

Conclusion: Titanium miniplate fixation may irritate the deep division of the supraorbital nerve and may cause a chronic headache.

Can Titanium plates be left in the body safely?

Background: Titanium is generally considered a safe metal to use in implantation but some studies have suggested that particulate titanium may cause health problems either at the site overlying the implant or in distant organs, particularly after frictional wear of a medical prosthesis.

What are the side effects of Titanium?

It is not considered a toxic metal but it is a heavy metal and it does have serious negative health effects. Titanium has the ability to affect lung function causing lung diseases such as pleural disease, it can cause chest pain with tightness, breathing difficulties, coughing, irritation of the skin or eyes.

Are bone plates removed?

Plates are like internal splints that hold the broken pieces of bone together. They are attached to the bone with screws. Plates may be left in place after healing is complete, or they may be removed (in select cases).

How long does a titanium skull plate last?

The patients’ age at operation ranged from 6 to 63 years (mean 35.6 years), and the follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 years (mean 8.1 years). The span of time between the removal of the bone flap and the insertion of the CAD/CAM titanium plate ranged from 2 to 14 months (mean 6.5 months).

What are the dangers of titanium plates?

There is a worry that this effect could cause implant loosening or failure, though it hasn’t been proven yet. Another potential problem with titanium plates is the debris that occurs. Tiny flakes of this metal chip off and enter the bloodstream, nearby soft tissues, and/or joint.

What are the titanium plates used in neurosurgery?

So, the titanium plates used in neurosurgery are actually thin pieces or mesh-like sheets of titanium instead of the thick, solid plates of metal some people think neurosurgeons use. These plates are actually much weaker than the calvarium itself. It would take a round with much less energy to penetrate these plates.

Do you have a metal plate in your head?

People do have metal plates in their heads, especially after trauma to the skull. Have you ever had a brain injury or surgery? If so, you may have had a metal plate inserted in your skull.

How is the bone flap replaced in a craniotomy?

The bone flap is usually replaced at the end of the procedure with tiny plates and screws. What is a craniotomy? Craniotomies are named according to the area of skull (cranium) to be removed (Fig. 1). After the surgeon repairs the problem, the bone flap is then replaced or covered with plates and screws.