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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Engineering Platform and Experimental Protocol for Design and Evaluation of a Neurally-controlled Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis
Published on: July 22, 2014
Neutral zone recording in computer-guided implant prosthesis: A new digital neuromuscular approach
Massimo Frascaria1, Davide Pietropaoli1, Matteo Casinelli1
1Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, San Salvatore Hospital University of L'Aquila L'Aquila Italy.
Background:
Neutral zone (NZ) is a specific area in the oral cavity where muscular opposite forces are null. NZ represents the ideal zone for prosthesis placement. In this study, we compared digital implant planning using conventional technique and using NZ registration through piezography.
Methods:
Sixty-tree implants were digitally planned. Angular deviation differences between traditional planned and NZ-planned implants were calculated. In addition, interferences with soft tissues (i.e., tongue and cheeks) were evaluated.
Results:
We observed a significant difference between traditional technique and piezographic approach in terms of implants angulation (p = .003), independent of site. A 4.7% of the planned abutments with traditional technique were placed outside the NZ, causing conflict with soft tissues in the digital model.
Conclusions:
Compared with traditional technique, piezography allows a significantly different exploitation of the nonconflict area, which potentially translates into better management of soft tissues and improved functionality of the implants.
