Use of self-tapping metal screws for temporary fixation of a resorbable plate system in maxillofacial surgery.

Resorbable plate systems have been used in maxillofacial surgery to obviate the need for plate removal. However, resorbable plates and screws are very costly, and refixation with additional screws may be necessary when reduction or repositioning of the bone segment is inaccurate. Here we report the use of self-tapping metal screws for temporary fixation of a resorbable plating system in maxillofacial surgery to avoid the use of additional screws following inaccurate fixation or the reuse of resorbable screws, which may result in loosening.