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Variability of mechanical torque-limiting devices in clinical service at a US dental school
Michael S McCracken1, Lillian Mitchell, Rashmi Hegde
1Department of Prosthodontics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. mikemc@uab.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to measure the variability of torque produced by a population of mechanical torque-limiting devices in clinical service in a US dental school. The torque-limiting devices were divided into two categories according to their mode of action: toggle-type and beam wrenches. Proper action of these devices is essential for calibrated delivery of preload to implant prosthetic screws.
Materials And Methods:
Seventeen torque-limiting devices (35 Ncm) were obtained from graduate prosthodontic, predoctoral, and faculty practice clinics. Nine of these were toggle-type devices, and eight were beam-type wrenches. Torque from each wrench was measured using an MGT electronic torque meter. Wrenches were tested in two modes, slow (over 4 seconds) and fast (over 1 second).
Results:
Toggle-type torque wrenches produced a mean (+/- SD) torque of 38.1 +/- 16.0 Ncm; beam-type wrenches produced 32.8 +/- 1.1 Ncm. These results were not significantly different. When tested in fast mode (1 second), toggle-type wrenches produced 28.0 +/- 9.6 Ncm; in the slow mode (4 seconds) they produced significantly more force, 36.6 +/- 14.0 Ncm (p < 0.001). Beam-type wrenches produced 33.2 +/- 1.1 Ncm and 32.8 +/- 1.1 Ncm in fast and slow modes, respectively.
Conclusions:
Both types of wrenches tested were capable of producing accurate torque values; however, variability was higher in the toggle-type group. Some toggle-type torque wrenches in clinical service delivered unacceptably high torque values. It is recommended that clinicians calibrate toggle-type wrenches frequently. Torque wrenches should be activated slowly, over 4 seconds, when using a correctly calibrated toggle-type wrench.
