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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 18, 2021
Biomechanical study on the stability of mini-implants in the infrazygomatic crest region
Qian Lin1, Yanling Chen2, Tingxu Lin1
1Department of Stomatology, Fuzhou Second General Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital, Fuzhou city, China.
Objective:
To determine insertion angles and force directions that minimize micromotion of infrazygomatic crest (IZC) mini-implants while accounting for the curved lateral wall and the non-parallel bicortical anatomy.
Methods:
We built 20 three-dimensional finite element models that preserved full thread geometry and the true IZC bicortical relationship. Two force directions (horizontal vs. vertical), five insertion angles (15°-70°), and single vs. double cortical engagement were tested under a 2 N load. Outcomes included implant displacement and von Mises stress in the screw and surrounding bone.
Results:
Vertical loading consistently halved displacement compared with horizontal loading (mean 7.3 ± 2.9 μm vs. 14.7 ± 6.2 μm). Under horizontal forces, 45° minimized displacement (8.1 μm) and cortical stress (92 MPa); under vertical forces, 15° performed best (4.6 μm). Effect sizes were substantial: vertical vs. horizontal displacement ratio ≈ 0.50; 45° vs. 70° cortical stress reduction ≈ 33-40 % under horizontal loading. Penetrating the thin sinus floor (∼0.45 mm) did not improve stability.
Conclusion:
For IZC anchorage, 15-45° insertion with predominantly vertical force reduces stress and micromotion; thin bicortical engagement provides no additional benefit. These anatomy-aware rules are readily applicable chairside.

