Influence of implant diameters on the integration of screw implants. An experimental study in rabbits.

The influence of diameter on the integration of titanium screw-shaped implants was studied in the rabbit tibia by means of removal torque measurements and histomorphometry. Implants 3.0, 3.75, 5.0, and 6.0 mm in diameter and 6.0 mm long were inserted through one cortical layer in the tibial metaphyses of nine rabbits and allowed to heal for 12 weeks. The implants were then unscrewed with a torque gauge, and the peak torque required to shear off the implants was recorded. The histologic analysis in undemineralized ground sections comprised (1) a gross description of the implant sites and assessments of (2) the total implant length in bone and (3) in the cortical passage, as well as (4) the thickness of the cortical bone adjacent to the implants. From the removal torque values obtained and morphometric measurements, a mean shear stress value was calculated for each implant type. The biomechanical tests showed a statistically significant increase of removal torque with increasing implant diameter. The resistance to shear seemed to be determined by the implant surface in supportive cortical bone, whereas the newly formed bone at the periosteal and endosteal surfaces did not seem to have any supportive properties after 12 weeks. It is suggested that wide diameter implants may be used clinically to increase implant stability.