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Published on: February 10, 2014
Torque removal force for osseointegrated implants--two experimental studies
J F Lownie1, P A Betts, R S Bryant
1Division of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Summary
A rabbit model effectively tested titanium implant torque removal force (TRF). Machined implants were equivalent, while surface-enhanced and tapered designs showed significantly higher TRF.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
- Preclinical Testing
Background:
- Assessing the stability and osseointegration of dental and orthopedic implants is crucial for clinical success.
- Torque removal force (TRF) is a key metric for evaluating implant stability.
- A standardized animal model is needed for reproducible TRF testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a rabbit model for measuring the torque removal force (TRF) of titanium implants.
- To compare the TRF of various South African-manufactured titanium implants against a benchmark.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using rabbits to measure TRF at different time points (1, 3, 6 months and 3, 6 weeks).
- Implants tested included Swedish and South African machined-surface types, as well as surface-enhanced (SLA, RI) and tapered (MTT) designs.
Main Results:
- TRF increased significantly over time for machined implants, with no difference between South African and Swedish types.
- The threaded tapered (MTT) implant demonstrated significantly higher TRF compared to other designs.
- Surface-enhanced implants generally showed higher TRF than machined implants.
Conclusions:
- The rabbit model is suitable for evaluating TRF of titanium implants.
- Machined-surface titanium implants from South Africa and Sweden exhibit comparable stability.
- Surface-enhanced and particularly tapered implant designs offer superior stability, indicated by higher TRF.
