Early uncovering of HA-coated cylinder implants: case report of an in vivo shear strength test.

A new approach was used to test the readiness of an HA-coated implant for commencement of prosthetic procedures after two months of bone healing in humans. A torquing device was used for clinical measurement of the shear resistance of the supporting bone. It was found that the bone was capable of resisting a shear force just slightly greater than that which was necessary to produce displacement of implants placed in dog femurs with a comparable bone-healing period and with healing to full maturity. This report suggests that it may be feasible to uncover HA-coated implants after two months of bone healing.