Influence of factors related to implant stability detected by wireless resonance frequency analysis device

Summary Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was introduced as a method for measuring implant stability more than a decade ago. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values obtained using a recently introduced wireless RFA device have made it possible to evaluate stability in a non‐invasive technique; however, there are few studies of the factors that affect ISQ values determined using this device. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between ISQ values determined by wireless RFA and various factors related to dental implant stability using a pig cortical bone model. Dental implants (Replace^® Select Tapered implants) with a length of 10 mm were placed into pig cortical bone samples, then, ISQ values were determined using wireless RFA under various conditions (probe orientation, diameter of implant, insertion torque and peri‐implant bone loss). The results of this study showed that ISQ values were not affected by the direction of the probe from parallel to perpendicular to the long axis of the pig bone or to the smart peg. In addition, the diameter of the implant did not have a significant effect on the measured ISQ values. Statistically significant correlations were found between insertion torque and ISQ values (Spearman’s test, P < 0·05), and lower ISQ values were observed for deeper peri‐implant vertical defects (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P < 0·05). A wireless RFA device appears to be useful for measuring implant stability within the limits of the present in vitro study.     

Assessment of dental implant stability in osseodistraction-generated bone: a resonance frequency analysis

Objective: To determine the implant stability in osseodistraction-generated (ODG) bone after a 2-month consolidation period, assessed by resonance frequency analysis (RFA).
Material and methods: Twenty healthy, non-smoker female patients received 71 dental implants, 39 placed in native bone and 32 in ODG bone, after an 8-week consolidation period. Primary and secondary stability of the implants was assessed by means of the Osstell^® mentor device. The average value of six measurements was considered for the statistical analysis at each time point.
Results: The age of the patients who received implants in ODG was not significantly different from that of those receiving implants in pristine bone (48.0±10.9); [ X =1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI)=−7.7–10.9].
Although implants placed in both bone types indicated good primary stability, a statistically significant difference in favour of implants placed in pristine bone could be identified in terms of osteogenic distraction (OD) ( X _i− X _j=3.4; 95% CI=1.7–5.8). After a 1.5-month integration period, none of the implants failed, but implant stability still recorded higher values for implants located in the pristine bone ( X _i− X _j=2.5; 95% CI=0.5–4.4).
A positive linear correlation could be established between the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at implant placement (primary stability) and the post-integration ISQ score (secondary stability) for both bone types, but only 16% of the post-integration ISQ in the ODG bone could be attributed to the primary stability.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, OD bone offers – after a 2-month consolidation period – high primary and secondary stabilities after implant placement.     

Early detection of implant healing process using resonance frequency analysis

In this study, in vitro and in vivo models were adopted for assessing the application of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) in the early detection of implant stability. In the in vitro tests, RF values of implants placed in bone block with predrilled cavities of 3.75 and 5.0 mm were measured and compared. Stone was used to fill the inter-space between implants and the bone blocks. Our results showed that poor initial stability conditions contributed to a lower initial RF (IRF) value (5.41+/-0.32 kHz) and a longer simulated healing period (41 min) than that of well-fitted conditions (9.63+/-0.34 kHz for IRF, 14 min for the simulated healing period, P<0.05). To validate such in vitro tests, animal models were also performed. Implants were placed in the left tibias of six rabbits using a general surgery procedure. The modal testing method was used to test the RF values of the implants. The RF values of the implants increased significantly (P<0.05) during the healing period and reached a plateau when the implant-bone interface was united. The variations of RF values of the testing implants showed a similar trend to the results of in vitro tests, i.e., implants with higher initial RF values had shorter simulated healing times. Based on these findings, we concluded that RFA is a reliable and accurate method for early assessment of the osseointegration process.     

Osstell ISQTM监测种植体稳定性的临床研究

目的：分析种植体初期稳定系数（ISQi）与植入扭矩值（ITv）在评估初期稳定性中的关系;分析不同初期稳定性种植体在骨愈合期种植体稳定系数（ISQ）的变化趋势。方法：选择牙缺失患者34例,共55枚种植体。应用Osstell ISQTM共振频率分析仪于种植体植入时测量ISQ和记录ITv,并于植入后4周、8周、12周监测ISQ变化。结果： ISQi与ITv存在强正相关性。低初期稳定性组种植体植入后ISQ呈持续上升过程,高初期稳定性组ISQ则呈先降后升趋势,4周降至最低点。结论： Osstell ISQTM能良好评价和监测种植体稳定性, ISQi与ITv均为评价种植体初期稳定性的客观指标,种植体稳定性的变化趋势与初期稳定性范围相关。     

Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell™mentor during implant tissue integration: I. Instrument positioning,bone structure,implant length

Aim: To monitor longitudinally the development of implant stability of SLA Straumann^® tissue‐level implants using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and to determine the influence of instrument positioning, bone structure and implant length on the assessment of RFA. Material and methods: Thirty‐two healthy adult patients received either 8 mm, ?4.1 mm Straumann^® Standard Plus tissue‐level implants (n=16: Group A) or 10 mm, ?4.1 mm Straumann^® Standard Plus tissue‐level implants (n=16: Group B). During healing, RFA was performed on Weeks 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12. The implants were restored after 10 weeks (impression taking) and 12 weeks. In addition, probing depth, presence of plaque and bleeding on probing were assessed. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of Groups A and B were compared using unpaired t‐tests and longitudinally applying paired t‐tests between Week 0 and the subsequent time points. Results: Positioning of the Osstell^?mentor device did not affect the ISQ values. Generally, ISQ values increased continuously during healing from a mean of 65.1 (SD 16.97) to 74.7 (SD 5.17) (significantly from Week 0 to Weeks 6, 8 and 12). Lower bone density (Type III or IV) resulted in significantly lower ISQ values up to Week 8. Implant length affected the increase in ISQ values over time. While no significant increase was observed with 10 mm implants, ISQ values of 8 mm implants increased significantly from Week 0 to Weeks 6, 8 and 12. Conclusions: Using Osstell^?mentor, ISQ values are reproducible irrespective of instrument positioning. ISQ values are affected by the bone structure and implant length. Hence, no predictive values can be attributed to implant stability. To cite this article:
Sim CPC, Lang NP. Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell^?mentor during implant tissue integration: I. Instrument positioning, bone structure, implant length.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 598–604.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01878.x     

Implant stability measurements using resonance frequency analysis in the grafted maxilla: a cross-sectional pilot study

Background: High failure rates have been presented for implants placed in grafted bone. The bone graft-implant interface constitutes a most complex healing situation, where the time scale for osseointegration and development of implant stability currently is not known. Purpose: The aim of the study was to measure the stability of implants placed in grafted bone after various follow-up periods. Methods: Implant stability measurements by means of resonance frequency analysis were performed in 10 patients previously treated with a Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional bone grafts. The implants were placed 3 to 4 months after the grafting procedure. Sixty-seven Brånemark implants were subjected to resonance frequency analysis measurements at fixture placement and up to 5.5 years after implant surgery. Periapical radiographs were used for assessment of marginal bone levels. Results: The radiographic examinations showed marginal bone loss with time during the 5.5-year follow-up. The resonance frequencies varied from 5860 to 8440 Hz. When accounting for abutment length and marginal bone level, there was a tendency of increasing resonance frequency with time. Two implants with low resonance frequencies failed during the prosthetic phase. Conclusion: The results indicate an increased implant stability with time, which may reflect bone formation, remodeling, and maturation at the implant interface.     

A comparative study on the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level using resonance frequency analysis

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level in different types of bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As described by Lekholm and Zarb, cortical layers of bovine bone specimens were trimmed to a thickness of 2 mm, 1 mm or totally removed to reproduce bone types II, III, and IV respectively. Three Implant system (Brånemark System® Mk III TiUnite™, Straumann Standard Implant SLA®, and Astra Tech Microthread™-OsseoSpeed™) were tested. Control group implants were placed in level with the bone, while test group implants were placed 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm above the bone level. Initial stability was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis. Data was statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance in confidence level of 95%. The effective implant length and the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) were compared using simple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the control group, there was a significant difference in the ISQ values of the 3 implants in bone types III and IV (P<.05). The ISQ values of each implant decreased with increased effective implant length in all types of bone. In type II bone, the decrease in ISQ value per 1-mm increase in effective implant length of the Brånemark and Astra implants was less than that of the Straumann implant. In bone types III and IV, this value in the Astra implant was less than that in the other 2 implants.

CONCLUSION

The initial stability was much affected by the implant design in bone types III, IV and the implant design such as the short pitch interval was beneficial to the initial stability of implants placed above the bone level.     

A comparison of the implant stability among various implant systems: clinical study

PURPOSE

To determine the change in stability of single-stage, three different design of implant systems in humans utilizing resonance frequency analysis for early healing period (24 weeks), without loading.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients were included into this study. A total of 45 implants, three different design of implant systems (group A,C,R) were placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The specific transducer for each implant system was used. ISQ (implant stability quotient) reading were obtained for each implant at the time of surgery, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 weeks postoperatively. Data were analyzed for different implant type, bone type, healing time, anatomical locations.

RESULTS

For each implant system, a two-factor mixed-model ANOVA demonstrated that a significant effect on ISQ values (group A = 0.0022, C = 0.017, R = 0.0018). For each implant system, in a two-factor mixed model ANOVA, and two-sample t-test, the main effect of jaw position (P > .005) on ISQ values were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

All the implant groups A, C and R, the change patterns of ISQ over time differed by bone type. Implant stability increased greatly between week 0 and week six and showed slow increase between week six and six months (plateau effect).     

Resonance frequency analysis and damping capacity assessment. Part I: an in vitro study on measurement reliability and a method of comparison in the determination of primary dental implant stability

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this in vitro study were to evaluate reliability of the Osstell and Periotest devices in the assessment of implant stability and to perform a method comparison. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercial dental implants were inserted into bovine rib segments of different anatomical origins and densities. Repeated measurements were performed, varying (a) the torque-in force of the devices' attachment screw (the Osstell transducer and the ball attachment, insert for the Periotest device), (b) the insertion site bone quality, and (c) the thread exposure in simulated peri-implant bone defects. RESULTS: Both methods were comparably reliable and showed a strong association to each other in the classification of implant stability. As opposed to torque-forced screw attachment, the variations in bone composition, differences in inter-implant stability of adjacent implants, and peri-implant bone reduction were statistically significant for both methods. CONCLUSIONS: Both non-invasive diagnostic devices seem to be useful in the long-term follow-up of implant integration.     

Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell™mentor during implant tissue integration: II. Implant surface modifications and implant diameter

Objectives: To monitor the development of the stability of Straumann^® tissue‐level implants during the early phases of healing by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and to determine the influence of implant surface modification and diameter. Material and methods: A total of twenty‐five 10 mm length implants including 12 SLA RN ?4.1 mm implants, eight SLActive RN ?4.1 mm implants and five SLA WN ?4.8 mm implants were placed. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were determined with Osstell^?mentor at baseline, 4 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks post‐surgery. ISQ values were compared between implant types using unpaired t‐tests and longitudinally within implant types using paired t‐tests. Results: During healing, ISQ decreased by 3–4 values after installation and reached the lowest values at 3 weeks. Following this, the ISQ values increased steadily for all implants and up to 12 weeks. No significant differences were noted over time. The longitudinal changes in the ISQ values showed the same patterns for SLA implants, SLActive implants and WB implants. At placement, the mean ISQ values were 72.6, 75.7 and 74.4, respectively. The mean lowest ISQ values, recorded at 3 weeks, were 69.9, 71.4 and 69.8, respectively. At 12 weeks, the mean ISQ values were 76.5, 78.8 and 77.8, respectively. The mean ISQ values at all observation periods did not differ significantly among the various types. Single ISQ values ranged from 55 to 84 during the entire healing period. Pocket probing depths of the implants ranged from 1 to 3 mm and bleeding on probing from 0 to 2 sites/implant post‐surgically. Conclusions: All ISQ values indicated the stability of Straumann^® implants over a 12‐week healing period. All implants showed a slight decrease after installation, with the lowest ISQ values being reached at 3 weeks. ISQ values were restored 8 weeks post‐surgically. It is recommended to monitor implant stability by RFA at 3 and 8 weeks post‐surgically. However, neither implant surface modifications (SLActive) nor implant diameter were revealed by RFA. To cite this article:
Han J, Lulic M, Lang NP. Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell^?mentor during implant tissue integration: II. Implant surface modifications and implant diameter.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 605–611.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01909.x     

The effect of platelet-rich plasma upon implant stability measured by resonance frequency analysis in the lower anterior mandibles

Abstract: Using a one‐stage surgical protocol, a total of 34 Brånemark Mk‐III Ti‐Unite implants with a length of 13 mm and a diameter of 3.75 mm were inserted in 10 edentulous mandibles. Of these, seven patients received four and three patients two interforaminal implants. All implants were followed with repeated stability measurements by means of resonance frequency analysis at different time interval: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 days. In quadrant III platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was instilled locally before implant placement, while no PRP was added in quadrant IV to serve as control group (split‐mouth design). Results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Nonetheless, both groups (PRP+control) showed a highly significant reduction of the implant stability quotient (P<0.001) between days 0 and 4. However, no difference was noted between the two groups after day 4, it may be concluded that the instillation of PRP during implant placement in the lower anterior mandible did not add additional benefit.     

Effect of implant surface properties on peri-implant bone healing: a histological and histomorphometric study in dogs

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare two types of implants, i.e. grit‐blasted and acid‐etched implants (SLActive^®) with nano‐meter‐scale hydroxyapatite surface‐modified implants (NanoTite^?). Material and methods: For histological and histomorphometrical evaluation, 22 SLActive^® and 22 Nanotite^? implants were inserted in eleven Beagle dogs. The animals were divided into three groups of healing (A: 2 weeks; B: 4 weeks and C: 8 weeks). Two, 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, the animals were sacrificed and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC %), first implant–bone contact (1st BIC) as well as amount of bone (BV) were assessed. Results: For SLActive^® and Nanotite^? implants, BIC% increased significantly over time. No statistically significant differences in BIC% were found between SLActive^® and Nanotite^? at all the respective implantation times. Moreover, for the different healing periods, no significant differences for BV between SLActive^® and Nanotite^? implants were found. Conclusions: The present study showed that SLActive^® and NanoTite^? implants induce a similar bone response after implantation for 2, 4 and 8 weeks in a non‐submerged position in the mandible of dogs. To cite this article:
Al‐Hamdan K, Al‐Moaber SH, Junker R, Jansen JA. Effect of implant surface properties on peri‐implant bone healing: a histological and histomorphometric study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 399–405.     

Clinical study on the primary stability of two dental implant systems with resonance frequency analysis

Primary stability has a major impact on the long-term success of dental implants. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion torque of self-tapping and non-self-tapping implants and their respective differences in primary stability. A group of 263 patients were treated with a total of 602 conically formed dental implants: 408 non-self-tapping Ankylos and 194 self-tapping Camlog. The maximum insertion torque during implant placement was recorded. Resonance frequency, measured as the implant stability quotient (ISQ), was assessed once immediately after insertion and twice 3 months later. Torque values of the non-self-tapping implants were significantly higher than those in the self-tapping group (p = 0.023). RFA did not show differences between the 2 groups (p = 0.956), but a correlation between ISQ values after implantation and 3 months after implant placement was measured (r = 0.712). Within the implant systems, no correlation between insertion torque and resonance frequency values could be determined (r = 0.305). Our study indicates that the ISQ values obtained from different implant systems are not comparable. The RFA does not appear suitable for the evaluation of implant stability when used as a single method. Higher insertion torque of the non-self-tapping implants appeared to confirm higher clinical primary stability.     

The application of resonance frequency measurements to study the stability of titanium implants during healing in the rabbit tibia

The aim of this investigation was to measure the resonance frequency of a number of implants placed in the rabbit tibia at insertion and at predetermined periods thereafter and to correlate the results with histomorphometric measurements made when the animals were sacrificed. Ten mature New Zealand White rabbits were used in the study. Two c.p. threaded titanium implants were placed in the right tibia of each animal. Resonance frequency measurements were made by screwing a small transducer onto a standard abutment mounted on each fixture. Measurements were repeated with the transducer oriented perpendicular and parallel to the long axis of the tibia for all proximal implants 14 and 28 days after placement and in 6 implants additionally at 42, 56, 93, 122 and 168 days after which all animals were sacrificed. Histomorphometric analysis comprised 2 parts; measurement of bone‐implant contact area and height. A significant increase in resonance frequency was observed after 14 (405 Hz ± 234 Hz( and 28 (658 Hz ± 332 Hz) days. The increase in resonance frequency levelled after approximately 40 days and little further change was observed. The variation in bone‐implant contact area was relatively small (1.8–4.9 mm²) and the range of bone‐implant contact heights was also narrow (−1.5–+1.5 mm). Values for resonance frequencies plotted against contact area and height were grouped around 10 kHz. In conclusion, it was shown that resonance frequency measurements can be made at placement and during healing in vivo and changes may be related to the increase in stiffness of an implant in the surrounding tissues.     

Resonance frequency measurements of implant stability in viva. A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of resonance frequency measurements on implants in the edentulous and partially dentate maxilla.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the use of resonance frequency measurements in the clinical measurement of implant stability. Resonance frequency measurements are undertaken by measuring the response of a small transducer attached to an implant fixture or abutment. Two groups of patients were selected for study. Group A comprised 9 patients who had a total of 56 implants placed. Resonance frequency measurements were made at fixture installation and repeated 8 months later at abutment connection. The resonance frequency of the implant/transducer system increased for 50 out of the 56 implants from a mean value of 7473 Hz ± 127 Hz ( P <0.05) to a mean of 7915 Hz ± 112 Hz ( P <0.05). Two implants had failed to integrate and the resonance frequency of these had fallen. Group B comprised 9 patients who had been provided with fixed prostheses and had a total of 52 implants placed. They were examined 5 years after fixture placement and the prostheses removed. All implants were judged clinically to be osseointegrated. The level of the marginal bone around each implant was calculated by measuring the number of exposed threads on intraoral periapical radiographs and added to the length of each abutment to give a value termed the effective implant length (EIL). Measurements indicated a correlation ( R =0.78, P <0.01) between EIL and resonance frequency. The results support the hypothesis that the resonance frequency of an implant/transducer system is related to the height of the implant not surrounded by bone and the stability of the implant/tissue interface as determined by the absence of clinical mobility.     

Parameters of resonance frequency measurement values: a retrospective study of 385 ITI dental implants

OBJECTIVES: There is no proven clinical tool to evaluate the amount of osseointegration and stability around dental implants. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate resonance frequency analysis values of 385 ITI solid screw implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Both at implant placement and after healing, implant stability quotients (ISQs) were determined. For statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficients, Welch's two-sample t-tests and paired samples t-tests were computed at a level of significance of alpha=0.05. RESULTS: ISQ values ranged from 39 to 86 at implant placement and from 35 to 89 after healing, showing a significant increase. The highest ISQ values at both stages were obtained in the posterior mandible (P < or = 0.002). After healing, ISQ values in the anterior mandible were significantly higher than in the anterior maxilla (P=0.005). Implant length had a significant influence on ISQ in the anterior mandible (P=0) at insertion and in the anterior (P=0.005) and posterior mandible (P=0.036) after healing. Implant diameter and ISQ at insertion correlated in the anterior mandible (P=0.037). After healing, a significant influence was found for all regions, except the posterior maxilla (P=0.795). With the exception of the anterior maxilla (P=0.542), ISQ at placement had a significant influence on ISQ after healing. In the anterior maxilla (P=0.002) and in the posterior mandible (P=0.007), healing time significantly influenced ISQ after healing. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that only repeated ISQ measurements of a specific implant have some diagnostic benefit, although the parameters influencing the absolute values still remain unclear.     

Biomechanical aspects of initial intraosseous stability and implant design: a quantitative micro-morphometric analysis

PURPOSE: The objective of this biomechanical study was to explore the effect of bone micro-morphology on initial intraosseous stability of implants with different designs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Straumann and Astra Tech dental implants were placed into anterior and posterior regions of completely edentulous maxilla and mandible of a human cadaver. Experiments were undertaken to quantify initial implant stability and bone micro-morphology. Installation torque values (ITVs) and implant stability quotients (ISQs) were measured to determine initial intraosseous implant stability. For quantification of relative bone volume and micro-architecture, sectioned implant-bone and bone core specimens of each implant placement site were consecutively scanned and trabecular bone was analyzed in a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) unit. Experimental outcomes were evaluated for correlations among implant designs, initial intraosseous implant stability and bone micro-structural parameters. RESULTS: ITVs correlated higher with bone volume fraction (BV/TV) than ISQs, at 88.1% and 68.9% levels, respectively. Correlations between ITVs and micro-morphometric parameters were significant at the 95% confidence level (P<0.05) while ISQs were not. Differences in ITVs, ISQs and BV/TV data in regards to implant designs used were not significant at the 95% confidence level (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone micro-morphology has a prevailing effect over implant design on intraosseus initial implant stability, and ITV is more sensitive in terms of revealing biomechanical properties at the bone-implant interface in comparison with ISQ.     

The influence of fixation in formalin on the measurement of stability of implants using resonance frequency analysis and Periotest M: A study in a dog

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and Periotest^® have been widely used to evaluate measurements of the stability of implants in clinical studies and animal experiments. In animals, these measurements are often made after bone has been fixed in formalin. However, it is not yet clear how this fixation influences RFA and Periotest^®, and our aim was to clarify this using the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and Periotest^® value (PTV). Six titanium implants were placed, 3 into each femur, of one male dog (a beagle/labrador cross). After 2 months blocks of bone were harvested, each block containing 3 implants, and were fixed in 10% neutral formalin. Measurements were made before fixation (time 0) then at 4 h, and 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. ISQ values of 6 implants were evaluated 3 times on the short and long axes, as were PTV. ISQ ranged from 67.5 to 79.3 and tended to increase with time. ISQ at 7–28 days were significantly higher than that at time 0. PTV ranged from −7.7 to −7.8 and did not differ significantly among fixation times. These results suggest that fixation of bony tissue in formalin might affect ISQ, so it might be preferable to measure ISQ during the early stages of fixation.