Resorbable screw fixation for cortical onlay bone grafting: a pilot study with preliminary results.

Purpose: The current "gold standard" in alveolar ridge augmentation is autogenous bone grafting. Autologous cortical onlay grafts provide predictable increases in bone volume when used for alveolar ridge augmentation; however, rigid fixation of the graft to the recipient site is essential. Titanium screws are commonly used to provide rigid fixation for onlay grafting but have potential drawbacks including the need for a second surgery for removal before implant placement and screw fracture during removal.