title: Section plane selection influences the results of histomorphometric studies: the example of dental implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to determine and statistically analyze bone-to-implant contact (BIC) values for human specimens segmented in at least two different locations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples of human bone with fractured osseointegrated implants were obtained from six patients. Sections were prepared, dehydrated, and resin infiltrated. Undecalcified bone sections were produced using the thin-section technique according to Donath, ultimately obtaining a section thickness of approximately 20 μm. Fifteen specimens were available for histomorphometry. The bone sections were digitized and analyzed. The bone-to-metal contact (BMC) parameter was determined histomorphometrically. The BMC was returned in terms of the visibly bone-covered implant surfaces as a percentage of the total implant surface shown.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The values obtained for the six implants were arranged as six maximum-distance pairs and tested for significance using the t-test for dependent samples. The mean difference in BIC was 11.69±9.79%. The two-sided test showed a significant difference (p=0.033).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The accidental or deliberate choice of section plane for a bone-implant block has an influence on the BIC value. To make BIC values more comparable, a standardization of section planes is desirable.
authors: Niklotstrasse 39, 18273 G ü strow, Germany. dres.kopp@t-online.de
authors: Sigmar
authors: S
authors: Kopp
authors: Mareike
authors: M
authors: Warkentin
authors: Ferenc
authors: F
authors: Öri
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Ottl
authors: Günther
authors: G
authors: Kundt
authors: Bernhard
authors: B
authors: Frerich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016348:Osseointegration; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants