Tissue reactions of polypropylene mesh used in maxillofacial trauma.

Four 1-cm2 fragments of polypropylene mesh were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of each of 10 albino rats to evaluate biocompatibility. A straight longitudinal incision was made on the back of these animals and histological analysis was carried out at 7, 15 and 30 days. At 7 days, there was a mild inflammatory reaction around the implanted material. On day 15, the inflammatory process continued being discrete. The inflammatory reaction decreased significantly by day 30, when mild inflammation with cell infiltrate was observed, as well as the formation of a layer of fibrous tissue surrounding the implanted mesh. These results show the biocompatibility of the polypropylene mesh and support its use in oral and maxillofacial surgery.