A Novel Method of Load Bearing Ability Analysis of Short Plateau Implants Placed in Compromised Bone

Atrophy of the alveolar crest in the posterior maxilla is related to lower implant survival rates. The problem is exacerbated by clinically occurring thin cortical bone. FEM allows to simulate adequately biomechanical properties of the bone-implant interface with their wide scattering and dependence on age, sex, etc. The method is suitable for evaluating the effect of the maxilla cortical bone elasticity and quality as well as implant diameter on its bearing ability. The aim was to evaluate bone stress magnitudes and introduce innovative indices of implant load-bearing capacity to assess bone capability to successfully withstand functional loading under poor bone quality conditions. 3D models of osseo-integrated implants placed crestally in type III/IV bone, were analyzed in FEM with cortical bone variable elasticity modulus and ultimate strength. Maximal von Mises stresses in surrounding bone were calculated and compared with patient-specific cortical bone ultimate strength to determine the implant index of load-bearing capacity. Its value was influenced by implant diameter, cortical bone elasticity and bone quality.