Correlation between the Bone Density Recorded by a Computerized Implant Motor and by a Histomorphometric Analysis: A Preliminary In Vitro Study on Bovine Ribs

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present preliminary in vitro study on bovine ribs was to validate a new intraoperative site-specific classification of bone Density Index (IDI), obtained by an innovative computerized implant motor, by correlating these data with the data obtained by the histomorphometrical evaluation of the same samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five segments of bovine ribs were used, and a total of 22 perforations were performed. A computerized implant motor ("Torque Measuring Motor") was used to evaluate the bone density, which was classified into four classes: ID1, ID2, ID3, and ID4. Histomorphometrical analysis of bone density, expressed as percentage of bony trabeculae over the total biopsy area, was also performed. The data of bone density obtained by the implant motor were statistically correlated with the histomorphometrical results. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the bone density measured by the implant motor and the bone density assessed by histomorphometry (r = 0.89, p < .0001). Moreover, a significant positive correlation in D1, D2, and D4, whereas a negative, not significant correlation in D3 was found. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the intraoperative site-specific classification of bone density, obtained with this innovative system, could be helpful for the clinician to tailor the surgical protocol to the different situations in implant dentistry.