Factors affecting stresses in cortical bone around miniscrew implants: a three-dimensional finite element study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate various types of stress in cortical bone around miniscrew implants using finite element analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six three-dimensional assemblies of miniscrew models placed in alveolar bone blocks were constructed using Abaqus (Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp, Providence, RI), a commercial finite element analysis software package. The model variables included implant design factors and bone-related factors. All miniscrew implants were loaded in the mesial direction with a linear force equal to 2 N. Peak von Mises and principal stress values in cortical bone were compared between the different models for each factor.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that some factors affected the stresses in bone (implant diameter, implant head length, thread size, and elastic modulus of cancellous bone), while other factors did not (thread shape, thread pitch, and cortical bone thickness).

CONCLUSIONS

Miniscrew implant diameter, head length, and thread size as well as the elastic modulus of cancellous bone affect the stresses in cortical bone layer surrounding the miniscrew implant and may therefore affect its stability.