Influence of implant configuration on stress distribution in quad zygoma implant systems: A finite element analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different zygomatic implant configurations on the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported prosthetic systems under varying bone conditions using finite element analysis.

Four three-dimensional (3D) finite element models were developed based on two different anatomical conditions representing Zygoma Anatomy Guided Approach (ZAGA) Type 1 and Type 3. In each ZAGA type, two implant configurations were created by positioning zygomatic implants in different regions: lateral incisor-first molar and first premolar-first molar. All models were subjected to vertical and oblique loading conditions. Stress distribution in the peri-implant bone, implants, abutments, and metal framework, as well as implant displacement, was analyzed.

Under vertical loading conditions, Models 2 and 4 demonstrated lower stress values and more balanced load distribution, whereas Models 1 and 3 exhibited higher stress concentrations. In contrast, under oblique loading conditions, Models 1 and 3 showed more favorable stress values compared to Models 2 and 4. Implant displacement values were generally higher in Models 2 and 4. Within the limitations of the present finite element analysis, overall biomechanical response patterns were broadly comparable between the ZAGA Type 1 and Type 3 conditions.

Implant configuration appeared to influence the biomechanical behavior of quad zygomatic implant systems under the tested loading conditions. Models 1 and 3 generally showed a more favorable response under oblique loading, whereas the corresponding models in ZAGA Type 1 and Type 3 exhibited broadly comparable biomechanical patterns.