Miniscrew stability evaluated with computerized tomography scanning.
BACKGROUND
In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of bone mineral density (BMD), cortical bone thickness (CBT), screw position, and screw design on the stability of miniscrews.


METHODS
Ninety-six miniscrews of both cylindrical and tapered types were placed in 6 beagle dogs. The BMD and CBT were measured by computerized tomography and correlated with the placement and removal torque and mobility. A regression equation to predict the placement torque was calculated based on BMD, CBT, screw type, and screw position.


RESULTS
The placement torque showed a positive correlation in the order of removal torque (0.66), BMD of the cortical bone (0.58), and CBT (0.48). Placement and removal torque values were significantly higher in the mandible compared with the maxilla. Tapered miniscrews had higher placement torque than did the cylindrical type (P <0.001). However, the removal torque was similar in both groups. Placement torque was affected by screw position, screw type, and BMD of cortical bone, in that order.


CONCLUSIONS
BMD of cortical bone, screw type, and screw position significantly influence the primary stability of miniscrews.
Cha
Jung-Yul
JY
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Kil
Jae-Kyoung
JK
Yoon
Tae-Min
TM
Hwang
Chung-Ju
CJ
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001863:Bone Screws; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020878:Device Removal; D004285:Dogs; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D016014:Linear Models; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D019415:Torque