Torsion Strength of Biodegradable and Titanium Screws: A Comparison

Gerrit J. Buijs*, Eduard B. van der Houwen, Boudewijn Stegenga, Rudulf R.M. Bos, Gijsbertus J. Verkerke

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    29 Citations (Scopus)
    21 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Purpose: To determine 1) the differences in maximum torque between 7 biodegradable and 2 titanium screw systems, and 2) the differences of maximum torque between "hand tight" and break of the biodegradable and the titanium osteofixation screw systems. Materials and Methods: Four oral and maxillofacial surgeons inserted 8 specimens of all 9 screw systems in polymethylmethacrylate plates. The surgeons were instructed to insert the screws as they would do in the clinic (hand tight). The data were recorded by a torque measurement meter. A PhD resident inserted 8 specimens of the same set of 9 screw systems until fracture occurred. Likewise, the maximum applied torque was recorded. Results: 1) The mean maximum torque of the 2 titanium screw systems was significantly higher than that of the 7 biodegradable screw systems, and 2) the mean maximum torque for hand tight was significantly lower than for break in 2 biodegradable, and both titanium screw systems. Conclusions: Based on the results, we conclude that the 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm titanium screw systems still present the highest torque strength compared with the biodegradable screw systems. When there is an intention to use biodegradable screws, we recommend the use of 2.0 mm BioSorb FX (Linvatec Biomaterials Ltd, Tampere, Finland), 2.0 mm LactoSorb (Walter Lorenz Surgical Inc, Jacksonville, FL), or the larger 2.5 mm Inion (Inion Ltd, Tampere, Finland) screws.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2142-2147
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
    Volume65
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2007

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