A novel auxiliary device enhances miniscrew stability under immediate heavy loading simulating orthopedic treatment.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate miniscrew stability and perform a histomorphometric analysis of the bone around the miniscrew under a load corresponding to orthopedic force. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two miniscrews were implanted into eight rabbit tibias. Auxiliary group rabbits received auxiliary devices with miniscrews (n = 8, 28 days; n = 8, 56 days), and those in the nonauxiliary control group received miniscrews without auxiliary devices (n = 8, 28 days; n = 8, 56 days). Elastics were placed between miniscrews to apply a load of 5 N. Miniscrew stability was evaluated using a Periotest. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and spike implantation depth were measured histomorphologically. RESULTS: Periotest values in the auxiliary group were significantly lower than those in the nonauxiliary group at all time periods. There was no significant difference in BIC between the auxiliary and nonauxiliary groups at 28 or 56 days postimplantation. The implantation spike depth in the auxiliary group was significantly greater at 56 days compared to that at 28 days. Newly formed bone was observed around the spike of the auxiliary device at 56 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the use of miniscrews in conjunction with auxiliary devices provides stable skeletal anchorage, which may be useful in orthopedic treatments.