A new method to obtain bone biopsies at implant sites peri-operatively: technique and bone structure

This study aims at evaluating an objective method for the description of bone structure in the human mandible. Human bone biopsies were harvested at mandibular implant sites prior to insertion of self-tapping Mark II fixtures. Altogether 15 biopsies were taken from 12 patients. Three patients donated 2 biopsies each, one proximally and one distally taken. Ground sections of about 100 microns thickness were prepared prior to microradiography. These sections were ground to a final thickness of about 10 microns followed by histological staining. Histomorphometrical analyses were performed on the microradiographed plates and on the ground sections. On average there was a bone area of about 54% calculated on the microradiographed plates (the 100-microns sections) versus a mean bone area of 62% light microscopically (the 10-microns sections). Bone lengths were calculated on the 10-microns sections in the central part (mid-line) and on each side of the mid-line, revealing a mean of 58% in the former case and a mean of 61% in the latter case. The amount of bone varied between individuals and in different locations of the same jaw. The postoperative healing period following fixture installation is standardized regardless of bone structure. It may in the future be appropriate to more individualize this healing period based on an objective bone quality score.