Combined microcomputed tomography, biomechanical and histomorphometric analysis of the peri-implant bone: a pilot study in minipig model

Objectives. To present a practical approach that combines biomechanical tests, microcomputed tomography (mu CT) and histomorphometry, providing quantitative results on bone structure and mechanical properties in a minipig model, in order to investigate the specific response to an innovative dental biomaterial. Methods. Titanium implants with innovative three-dimensional scaffolds were inserted in the tibias of 4 minipigs. Primary stability and osseointegration were investigated by means of insertion torque (IT) values, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone mineral density (BMD) and stereological measures of trabecular bone. Results. A significant positive correlation was found between IT and RFA (r = 0.980, p = 0.0001). BMD at the implant sites was 18% less than the reference values (p = 0.0156). Pefi-implant Tb.Th was 50% higher, while Tb.N was 50% lower than the reference zone (p <0.003) and they were negatively correlated (r = -0.897, p = 0.006). Significance. mu CT increases evaluation throughput and offers the possibility for qualitative three-dimensional recording of the bone-implant system as well as for non-destructive evaluation of bone architecture and mineral density, in combination with conventional analysis methods. The proposed multimodal approach allows to improve accuracy and reproducibility for peri-implant bone measurements and could support future investigations. (C) 2016 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.