A finite element stress analysis of the transmandibular implant system

Purpose: The aim of this work was a simulation of the onset of osseointegra tion of the transmandibular implant system in the mandible. This was achiev ed by imposing joint elements at the implant-bone interface. Materials and Methods: The geometric model was derived from the anatomic measurement of s everal mandibles by tomographic scanning. The spring constants of the joint elements interposed at the implant-bone interface were varied between 1 N/ mm and 10(9) N/mm to represent the conditions leading to osseointegration. Results: Increasing the value of the spring constant at the joint elements gradually increases the effective stress in an increasing volume of crestal cortical bone. Additionally, a larger volume of crestal cortical bone assu mes a higher stress value as the simulation proceeds. Conclusion: This work indicates that considerable changes in stress magnitude and distribution o ccur in the crestal cortical bone margins as osseointegration is simulated, which may be the necessary stimulus for bone remodeling.