Methods of evaluating alveolar bone quality

Study examines different methods of evaluating alveolar bone quality

How do you classify alveolar bone quality? Many practitioners face this question, and there are a number of possible answers. To help with this, researchers from Germany conducted a study to evaluate the reliability of clinical techniques for assessing alveolar bone quality and primary stability.

Bone quality has long been associated with implant stability, which means assessing bone quality can be an important factor in ensuring successful osseointegration. The authors of this study note that although there are various methods for classifying bone quality, an objective clinical assessment does not exist at present. With this in mind, the authors set out to assess the reliability of the methods available.

Implants were placed in a human cadaver by two practitioners with differing experience levels. Bone quality was tested in various ways, namely: radiographical assessment, tactile sensation assessment during drilling and intraoperative compressive tests. Insertion torque measurements and resonance frequency analyses were used to assess implant stability.

The intraoperative compressive tests allowed bone quality to be identified and classified (cortical and trabecular) whereas the other assessment methods did not. Significant correlations were found between the intraoperative test results and the other methods tested in the study, indicating a similar degree of reliability. The authors note that although this study was limited, intraoperative compressive tests may be good option for an objective bone quality test.

This study was presented as an e-poster at the 2018 EAO Congress.