Accuracy of a manual torque application device for morse-taper implants: a technical note.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare torques applied by new and used manual torque devices for Morse-taper implants.


METHODS
Fifteen ITI manual torque devices were tested. Those in group 1 (n = 5) were new (ie, never used), those in group 2 (n = 5) had been used 50 to 200 times, and those in group 3 (n = 5) had been used 500 to 1,000 times. The torques applied by each device were measured for 35 Ncm and 15 Ncm targets in an experimental setup by a custom-made wrench with strain gauges connected to a data acquisition system. The strain-gauge signals were simultaneously delivered to a computer at a sample rate of 10,000 Hz and converted to torque units.


RESULTS
New devices applied higher torques than used devices for the 35-Ncm torque target (P < .05). The torques applied by group 3 devices were approximately 1.5 Ncm lower than those of other groups for the 35-Ncm target and approximately 1 Ncm lower for the 15-Ncm target.


CONCLUSIONS
ITI manual torque devices deliver consistent torque output, although a slight decrease occurs as a consequence of clinical use.
Cehreli
Murat C
MC
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. mcehreli@hotmail.com
Akça
Kivang
K
Tönük
Ergin
E
D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015921:Dental Implants; D004867:Equipment Design; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D019415:Torque; D014159:Transducers
D015921:Dental Implants