Clinical outcomes of ultrashort sloping shoulder implant design: A survival analysis

Short implants are preferred in cases of limited bone height. Length and design of implant credits to stability and implant success, shorter implants tend to survive for longer time duration.

Retrospective cohort study was conducted with an aim to assess the clinical outcome and cumulative survival rate of sloping shoulder implants over a period of 8 years.

Data was collected from all patients attending private clinics in Dubai, UAE. Subjects received ultrashort sloping shoulder (Bicon) implant. Implants of 6 mm and less than 6 mm length were included in the study. Subject's information like age, gender, systemic condition, habits, and radiographs were collected. Implant variables that is number of implants placed, location of placement, loading type, bone type, bone condition, and graft type were collected. Data was analyzed using multivariate cox regression model to evaluate the correlation between implant variables and to identify the implant variables associated with failure. Kaplan-Meier method was adopted to assess the survival pattern of implants.

Cumulative survival rate was 97% with average follow up of 28 months. Statistically significant differences were seen with implant length, arch type, bone type, and bone condition with P value <.001.

Short implants with sloping shoulder design and plateau-type roots have superior survival rates when compared with regular implants. The bone condition was also witnessed to be statistically significantly superior.