Using a Bone Density Measuring Micromotor to Distinguish Different Cortical/Cancellous Combinations in Vitro: A Study Using Polyurethane Foam Blocks

PURPOSE

To assess whether a recently introduced implant placement micromotor that provides site-specific, operator independent cancellous bone density measurements can detect the presence of a cortical bone layer and measure its thickness and density.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vitro experiment was performed on six double-layer polyurethane foam blocks mimicking the jawbone with different cortical thickness/cancellous density combinations. The densities were measured using the micromotor after either removing the cortical layer or leaving it intact, both with and without irrigation.

RESULTS

The results were compared by means of nonparametric statistical tests. Independent of irrigation, the micromotor detected the cortical layer when it was left intact and accurately estimated its thickness. The micromotor did not discriminate between blocks when they were considered separately, but it did when they were grouped into four or three classes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the micromotor may represent a valid device to quantitatively assess bone quality and density. If the micromotor can quantitatively distinguish different cortical/cancellous bone combinations in humans, it may be a helpful tool for performing finely tuned, patient-tailored preparations of the implant seat, making tooth rehabilitation in challenging clinical conditions more predictable.