title: The osseointegration of Mitek mini anchors in the mandibular condyle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the histomorphology of the bone around the Mitek mini anchors (Mitek Inc, Norwood, MA) after 3 to 59 months of implantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen condylar specimens from 8 patients were evaluated. Each of these patients had had previously placed Mitek mini anchors and braided polyester sutures for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc stabilization. Histologic evaluation of each specimen was performed to determine the degree of osseointegration. Each specimen was also evaluated for anchor configuration, fracture, and particulation and the presence or absence of intervening fibrous connective tissue or an inflammatory cell infiltrate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All anchors became osseointegrated without evidence of associated inflammation or fibrous connective tissue formation along the surface. There was no evidence of anchor fracture or particulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Mitek mini anchor can osseointegrate in the mandibular condyle. These suture anchors remain intact and biocompatible for as long as 59 months, the longest interval examined in this study.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baylor College of Dentistry-Texas A&M University System, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Fields
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Wolford
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000601:surgery*; D016348:Osseointegration; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C031462:titanium alloy (TiAl6V4); D014025:Titanium