Bone block fixation by ultrasound activated resorbable pin osteosynthesis: a biomechanical in vitro analysis of stability
Received 16 April 2009; received in revised form 15 July 2009; accepted 23 July 2009. published online 02 November 2009.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the compound strength of the fixation between 2 blocks of synthetic bone using ultrasound activated resorbable pins (regarding drill hole diameter) and compare them to fixation with titanium miniscrews. Resorbable pins were up to 17 mm long.
Study design
Two synthetic bone blocks (Sawbone) were fixed by either a resorbable pin or miniscrew osteosynthesis. Maximum tensile forces were determined mechanically. Pin lengths of 7 mm, 11 mm, and 17 mm were analyzed in relation to different drill hole diameters.
Results
The ideal drill hole configuration was a combination of diameters of 2.1/1.6 mm (in a lag screw configuration). Mean maximum tensile force was 80 N for 7 mm pins (105 N/11 mm, 69 N/17 mm). In comparison, tensile forces of titanium screws were 20 N (7 mm), 97 N (11 mm), and 135 N (17 mm).
Conclusions
Osteosynthesis by resorbable pins reached equal compound strength levels compared with titanium miniscrews. This in vitro study was the basis for a clinical trial of ultrasound-guided resorbable pin osteosynthesis.
aDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
bDepartment of Maxillofacial Surgery, Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom
cDepartment of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Reprint requests: OA Dr. Dr. Matthias Schneider, Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum “Carl Gustav Carus” der Technischen Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
ABSTRACT