Inter- and intraobserver variability in resonance frequency analysis of palatal implants--a technical note.
OBJECTIVE
To assess inter- and intraobserver variability in wireless resonance frequency analysis (RFA) stability measurements of palatal implants and to evaluate the influence of age, sex, time after implant insertion, and measurement direction on variability.


METHODS
Three observers conducted wireless RFA stability measurements of palatal implants from 16 patients. Measurements were taken in anteroposterior and laterolateral directions and were repeated after 1 hour.


RESULTS
Data showed a small interobserver variation (1.93) with intraobserver variation (1.77) as its largest component. Time after implantation showed a strong influence (P = .027) on the interobserver variation.


CONCLUSIONS
The tested wireless RFA device can be considered a reliable instrument for measuring the stability of palatal implants. Multiple readings and observers could further improve measurement reliability.
Michael H
MH
Bertl
Ruüdiger
R
Emshoff
Aleš
A
Čelar
Adriano G
AG
Crismani
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D021362:Palate, Hard; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014732:Vibration; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*
D015921:Dental Implants