Bone Remodeling Around Implants with External Hexagon and Morse-Taper Connections: A Randomized, Controlled, Split-Mouth, Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical, radiographic, microbiologic, and biomechanical parameters related to bone remodeling around implants with external hexagon (EH) and Morse-taper (MT) connections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve totally edentulous patients received four custom-made implants in the interforaminal region of the mandible. Two of those implants had the same macroscopic design, but different prosthetic connections. All patients received an immediate implant-supported prosthesis. Clinical parameters (periimplant probing pocket depth (PPD), modified gingival index (mGI), and mucosal thickness (MTh)) were evaluated at 12 months follow-up. The distance between the top of the implant and the first bone-to-implant contact (IT-FBIC) was evaluated on standardized digital peri-apical radiographs acquired at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Samples of the subgingival microbiota were collected 1, 3, and 6 months after implant loading and used for the quantification of Tanerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggragatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Further, 36 computerized-tomography based finite element (FE) models were accomplished, simulating each patient under three loading conditions. RESULTS: The evaluated clinical parameters were equal for EH and MT implants. Mean IT-FBIC was significantly different between the tested connections (1.17 ± 0.44 mm for EH, and 0.17 ± 0.54 mm for MT, considering all evaluated time periods). No significant microbiological differences could be observed between tested connections. FE analysis showed a significantly higher peak of equivalent (EQV) strain (p = 0.005) for EH (mean 3,438.65 µÎµ) compared to MT (mean 840.98 µÎµ) connection. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic periimplant bone loss depends on the implant connection type. MT connections showed less periimplant bone loss, compared to EH connections.

Remodelação óssea de implantes com conexão hexágono externo e elementos de retenção no módulo da crista sob carregamento imediato – estudo clínico prospectivo longitudinal de um ano / Bone remodeling of implants with external hexagon connection and retention elements at the crestal module under immediate loading – a 1-year longitudinal prospective clinical trial

Objetivo: avaliar a remodelação óssea radiográfica ao redor de implantes hexágono externo (EH) que possuem roscas no módulo da crista. Material e métodos: doze pacientes desdentados totais receberam quatro implantes (Ø 3,8 mm x 13 mm) customizados na região interforaminal. Doze desses implantes foram hexágono externo com roscas no módulo da crista. Todos os pacientes receberam uma prótese implantossuportada imediata. A distância entre o topo do implante e o primeiro contato osso/implante (IT-FBIC) foi avaliada em radiografias periapicais digitais padronizadas adquiridas em um, três, seis e 12 meses de acompanhamento. A comparação entre vários períodos de observação foi realizada utilizando análise de variância (Anova) para medidas repetidas, seguida pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey. Resultados: a variação radiográfica da perda óssea peri-implantar foi significativamente diferente entre os períodos de acompanhamento (p < 0,001). A média de IT-FBIC foi de 1,17 ± 0,44 mm, depois de 12 meses de carregamento funcional. Conclusão: a remodelação óssea peri-implantar ocorrerá para implantes com hexágono externo, independentemente da presença de elementos de retenção no módulo da crista do implante

Objective: to evaluate the radiographic bone remodeling around implants using external hexagon (EH) with a threaded implant crestal module. Material and methods: twelve patients with totally edentulous mandibles received four custom-made (Ø 3.8 x 13 mm) implants in the interforaminal region. Twelve of the implants were external hexagon with a threaded implant crestal module. All patients received an immediate implant-supported prosthesis. The distance between the top of the implant and the first bone-to-implant contact (IT-FBIC) was evaluated on standardized digital periapical radiographs acquired at one, three, six, and 12 months of follow-up. Comparison among multiple observation periods was performed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (Anova), followed by a Tukey post-hoc test. Results: the radiographic periimplant bone loss was significantly different among the follow-up periods (p < 0.001). Mean IT-FBIC was 1.17 mm ± 0.44 mm, at 12 months follow-up period. Conclusions: radiographic periimplant bone remodeling will occur for implants using external hexagon, regardless of the presence of retention elements at the implant crestal module.

Biomechanical evaluation of platform switching: different mismatch sizes, connection types, and implant protocols.

BACKGROUND: It is not yet well understood to what extent different implant-abutment mismatch sizes and implant-abutment connection types may influence the peri-implant biomechanical environment of implants in different clinical situations. METHODS: Computed tomography-based finite element models comprising a maxillary central incisor socket and 4.5 × 13 mm outer-diameter implants with external and internal hex connection types were constructed. The abutments were designed with diameters of 3.5 mm (platform switching [PS] with 1 mm of diametral mismatch [PS - 1]), 4.0 mm (PS with 0.5 mm of diametral mismatch [PS - 0.5]), and 4.5 mm (conventional matching implant-abutment design [CD]). Analysis of variance at the 95% confidence interval was used to evaluate peak equivalent strain (EQV strain) in the bone, bone volume affected by a strain >4,000 µÎµ (EQV strain >4,000 µÎµ), the peak von Mises stress (EQV stress) in abutment screw, and the bone-implant relative displacement. RESULTS: Similar bone strain levels (EQV strain and EQV strain >4,000 µÎµ) were encountered in PS - 1, PS - 0.5, and CD models for immediately placed implants, independent of the connection type. For immediately loaded implants, slightly smaller peak EQV strain and EQV strain >4,000 µÎµ were found for PS - 1. However, for both connection types in osseointegrated models, the higher the mismatch size, the lesser the amount of strain found. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in mismatch size of PS configuration results in a significant decrease of strain levels in bone for osseointegrated implants, principally for external hex connections. No significant effect of PS could be noted in immediately placed implants.

Numerical simulation of the insertion process of an uncemented hip prosthesis in order to evaluate the influence of residual stress and contact distribution on the stem initial stability.

The long-term success of a cementless total hip arthroplasty depends on the implant geometry and interface bonding characteristics (fit, coating and ingrowth) and on stem stiffness. This study evaluates the influence of stem geometry and fitting conditions on the evolution and distribution of the bone-stem contact, stress and strain during and after the hip stem insertion, by means of dynamic finite element techniques. Next, the influence of the mechanical state (bone-stem contact, stress and strain) resulted from the insertion process on the stem initial resistance to subsidence is investigated. In addition, a study on the influence of bone-stem interface conditions (friction) on the insertion process and on the initial stem stability under physiological loading is performed. The results indicate that for a stem with tapered shape the contact in the proximal part of the stem was improved, but contact in the calcar region was achieved only when extra press-fit conditions were considered. Changes in stem geometry towards a more tapered shape and extra press fit and variation in the bone-stem interface conditions (contact amount and high friction) led to a raise in the total insertion force. A direct positive relationship was found between the stem resistance to subsidence and stem geometry (tapering and press fit), bone-stem interface conditions (bone-stem contact and friction interface) and the mechanical status at the end of the insertion (residual stress and strain). Therefore, further studies on evaluating the initial performance of different stem types should consider the parameters describing the bone-stem interface conditions and the mechanical state resulted from the insertion process.

Constant strain rate and peri-implant bone modeling: an in vivo longitudinal micro-CT analysis.

BACKGROUND: Strain, frequency, loading time, and strain rate, among others, determine mechanical parameters in osteogenic loading. We showed a significant osteogenic effect on bone mass (BM) by daily peri-implant loading at 1.600µÎµ.s(-1) after 4 weeks. PURPOSE: To study the peri-implant osteogenic effect of frequency and strain in the guinea pig tibia by in vivo longitudinal micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One week after implant installation in both hind limb tibiae, one implant was loaded daily for 10' during 4 weeks, while the other served as control. Frequencies (3, 10, and 30Hz) and strains varied alike in the three series to keep the strain rate constant at 1.600µÎµ.s(-1) . In vivo micro-CT scans were taken of both tibiae: 1 week after implantation but before loading (v1) and after 2 (v2) and 4 weeks (v3) of loading as well as postmortem (pm). BM (BM (%) bone-occupied area fraction) was calculated as well as the difference between test and control sides (delta BM) RESULTS: All implants (n=78) were clinically stable at 4 weeks. Significant increase in BM was measured between v1 and v2 (p<.0001) and between v1 and v3 (p<.0001). A significant positive effect of loading on delta BM was observed in the distal peri-implant marrow 500 Region of Interest already 2 weeks after loading (p=.01) and was significantly larger (11%) in series 1 compared with series 2 (p=.006) and 3 (p=.016). CONCLUSIONS: Within the constraints of constant loading time and strain rate, the effect of early implant loading on the peri-implant bone is strongly dependent on strain and frequency. This cortical bone model has shown to be most sensitive for high force loading at low frequency.

Método de elementos finitos aplicado à Implantodontia / Applicability of finite element methods in Implantology

Um fator-chave para a previsibilidade dos protocolos de utilização de implantes é o desenvolvimento de designs de implantes, conexões protéticas e materiais de próteses que sejam capazes de promover estabilidade sob as cargas mastigatórias regulares. Entretanto, o elaborado design dos implantes e sua relação com os tecidos de suporte e as restaurações protéticas impedem o uso de fórmulas analíticas simples para avaliação dos efeitos de cargas externas sob as tensões internas e deslocamentos. Nestes tipos de análises, o método em elementos finitos (MEF) tem proporcionado informações valiosas, a um custo operacional e investimento de tempo relativamente baixos. Na Implantodontia, a análise em elementos finitos (AEF) tem sido aplicada para prever o comportamento biomecânico de diversos designs de implantes, cenários clínicos e designs de próteses. Estas informações podem ser posteriormente aplicadas na otimização de designs de implantes em função dos parâmetros biomecânicos benéficos ao osso peri-implantar. Neste sentido, considerando especialmente as recentes mudanças nos protocolos clínicos de uso dos implantes, AEF individualizadas ou com modelagens complexas e detalhadas podem contribuir na tomada de decisões clínicas mais precisas, minimizando os riscos de falha dos tratamentos...

A key factor for the predictability and long-term success of implant treatment is the development of implants and prosthesis designs providing sufficient biomechanical stability, under masticatory standard loading. However, the intricate design of the implants and their relationship with the supporting tissues and prosthetic restoration prevent the use of simple analytical formulas for the evaluation of the effect of external loading on the internal stresses and displacements. In these analysis types, the fi nite element method has provided valuable data, for a relatively low operational cost and time investment. In Implantology, FEA has been applied to predict the biomechanical behavior of various implant designs, clinical scenarios and prosthesis designs. This information may be further applied in the optimization of implant designs as a function of the biomechanical parameters beneficial to the peri-implant bone. In this way, especially considering the recent changes in osseointegrated implant usage clinical protocols, individualized FEA can contribute to more accurate treatment decisions, diminishing the risks of implant failure...

Influence of implant design on the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants: computed tomography-based nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different implant designs on the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT)-based finite element models comprising a maxillary central incisor socket and four commercially available internal-connection implants (SIN SW, 3i Certain, Nobel Replace, and ITI Standard) of comparable diameters and lengths were constructed. Biomechanical scenarios of immediate placement, immediate loading, and delayed loading protocols were simulated. Analysis of variance at the 95% confidence level was used to evaluate peak equivalent strain (EQV strain) in bone and bone-to-implant relative displacement. RESULTS: Loading magnitude (77.6%) and the clinical situation (15.0%) (ie, presence or absence of an extraction socket defect, condition of the bone-to-implant interface) presented the highest relative contributions to the results. Implant design contributed significantly to strains and displacements in the immediate placement protocol. Whereas a greater contribution of implant design was observed for strain values and distributions for immediately placed and immediately loaded protocols, a smaller contribution was observed in the delayed loading scenario. CONCLUSION: Implant design contributes significantly to changing biomechanical scenarios for immediately placed implants. The results also suggest that avoiding implant overloading and ensuring high primary implant stability are critical in encouraging the load-bearing capability of immediately placed implants.

Fast and accurate specimen-specific simulation of trabecular bone elastic modulus using novel beam-shell finite element models.

Elastic modulus and strength of trabecular bone are negatively affected by osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. Micro-computed tomography-based beam models have been presented as a fast and accurate way to determine bone competence. However, these models are not accurate for trabecular bone specimens with a high number of plate-like trabeculae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve this promising methodology by representing plate-like trabeculae in a way that better reflects their mechanical behavior. Using an optimized skeletonization and meshing algorithm, voxel-based models of trabecular bone samples were simplified into a complex structure of rods and plates. Rod-like and plate-like trabeculae were modeled as beam and shell elements, respectively, using local histomorphometric characteristics. To validate our model, apparent elastic modulus was determined from simulated uniaxial elastic compression of 257 cubic samples of trabecular bone (4mm×4mm×4mm; 30µm voxel size; BIOMED I project) in three orthogonal directions using the beam-shell models and using large-scale voxel models that served as the gold standard. Excellent agreement (R(2)=0.97) was found between the two, with an average CPU-time reduction factor of 49 for the beam-shell models. In contrast to earlier skeleton-based beam models, the novel beam-shell models predicted elastic modulus values equally well for structures from different skeletal sites. It allows performing detailed parametric analyses that cover the entire spectrum of trabecular bone microstructures.

Biomechanical evaluation of platform switching in different implant protocols: computed tomography-based three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of platform switching on the biomechanical environment of implants in different placement and loading protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computed tomography-based finite element model of a maxillary central incisor extraction socket was constructed containing a conical 13-mm external-hex implant with a 4.3-mm-diameter shoulder. Abutment models that were 4.3 mm and 3.8 mm in diameter were then imported and aligned to the implant. The 4.3-mm abutment edge matched perfectly the edge of the implant shoulder, while the 3.8-mm abutment assumed a platform-switching configuration. Then, immediately placed, immediately loaded, and osseointegrated (ie, conventional delayed loaded) protocols were simulated. Analysis of variance was used to interpret the data for peak equivalent strain (EQV strain) in the bone, bone-to-implant relative displacement, peak von Mises stress (EQV stress) in the abutment screw, and implant-abutment gap. RESULTS: In the same clinical situation, the differences in the values of the assessed results were minor for abutments of different diameters. In addition, no statistically significant influence of the abutment diameter was seen on any of the evaluated biomechanical parameters, except for the bone-to-implant displacement, although this was observed in a rather low percentage. Nevertheless, a slightly higher EQV stress in the abutment screw was seen in all cases for the 3.8-mm-diameter abutment, although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this finite element analysis, it can be concluded that a circumferential horizontal mismatch of 0.5 mm does not make an important contribution to the biomechanical environment of implants. Also, there seems to be no significant biomechanical drawback to the design rationale of reducing the abutment diameter to move the implant-abutment gap area away from the implant-bone interface.

Micro-CT based quantitative evaluation of caries excavation.

OBJECTIVES: To optimize a microtomographic (micro-CT) technique to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of contemporary caries-excavation techniques. METHODS: A beam-hardening curve was obtained from an initial reconstruction of a wedge-shaped hydroxyapatite (HAp) block and fitted with a 5th order polynomial function, after which each micro-CT tooth slice was corrected accordingly. Calibration of the 8-bit gray values into mineral-density values was obtained by scanning, reconstructing and processing volume of interests (VOIs) of HAp phantoms with different mineral densities (0.25, 0.75, 3.14g/cm(3)). One carious tooth was scanned before and after caries removal with an experimental enzyme-based gel. After reconstruction, a 3D-median filter was applied to each micro-CT slice, and a connected threshold grower algorithm was used to blank-out undesired structures in each slice. Volume rendering with a look-up-table (LUT), based on mineral densities, was accomplished for the tooth before and after caries removal. Finally, the actual volume of excavated tissue was quantified. RESULTS: Correction for beam hardening produced tooth slices with relatively homogeneous gray values along the whole area of enamel and dentin. Accurate mineral-density values were obtained for enamel, dentin and carious regions (2.89, 1.74 and 0.27g/cm(3), respectively). After pre-processing (3D-median filtering and connected threshold grower algorithm), acceptable segmentation of carious dentin based on gray values was accomplished (Otsu method, gray value=75 or mineral density=1.12g/cm(3)), from which quantitative volumetric parameters were calculated. SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate calibration, standardization of scanning and reconstruction steps and adequate pre-processing of micro-CT slices allowed detailed volumetric calculation of caries-excavation techniques.

Influence of implant connection type on the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants - CT-based nonlinear, three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants, before and after osseointegration, by comparing three different implant-abutment connection types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computer tomography-based finite element model of an upper central incisor extraction socket was constructed containing implants with either external hex, internal hex, or Morse-taper connection. Frictional contact elements were used in the bone, implant, abutment, and abutment screw interfaces in the immediately placed simulations. In osseointegrated simulations, the repair of bone alveolar defect and a glued bone-to-implant interface were assumed. By analysis of variance, the influence was assessed of connection type, clinical situation, and loading magnitude on the peak equivalent strain in the bone, peak von Mises stress in the abutment screw, bone-to-implant relative displacement, and abutment gap. RESULTS: The loading magnitudes had a significant contribution, regardless of the assessed variable. However, the critical clinical situation of an immediately placed implant itself was the main factor affecting the peak equivalent strain in the bone and bone-to-implant displacement. The largest influence of the connection type in this protocol was seen on the peak equivalent stress in the abutment screw. On the other hand, a higher influence of the various connection types on bone stress/strain could be noted in osseointegrated simulations. CONCLUSIONS: The implant-abutment connection design did not significantly influence the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants. Avoiding implant overloading and ensuring a sufficient initial intraosseous stability are the most relevant parameters for the promotion of a safe biomechanical environment in this protocol.

Influência do desenho do implante na micromovimentação de implantes imediatos com carga imediata: análise multivariada em elementos finitos / Influence of implant design on the micromovement of immediately placed and loaded implants: a multivariate finite element analysis

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do desenho do implante nas micromovimentações de implantes imediatos com carga imediata. Modelos em elementos finitos de um alvéolo de extração de um incisivo central superior e quatro desenhos de implantes de conexão interna, disponíveis comercialmente (SIN SW®, 3i Certain®, Nobel ReplaceTM e RN synOcta® ITI Standard), com diâmetros e comprimentos semelhantes foram construídos. Cargas de 50, 100 e 200 N foram aplicadas sobre os implantes. ANOVA com nível de 95% de significância foi utilizada para avaliar os dados da micromovimentação dos implantes. O design do implante influencia significativamente (31,21%) a micromovimentação de implantes imediatos com carga imediata. Não obstante, a intensidade da carga aplicada (68,80%) é o fator mais importante na estabilidade dos implantes neste protocolo.

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of different implant designs on the micromovements of immediately placed implants. CT-based finite element models comprising an upper central incisor socket and four commercially available internal connection implant designs (SIN SW®, 3i Certain®, Nobel ReplaceTM, and RN synOcta® ITI Standard) of comparable diameter and length were constructed. 50, 100 and 200N magnitude loads were applied over the implant. ANOVA at 95% level of significance was used to evaluate bone to implant relative displacement (micromovements). The implant design (68,80%) greatly influences the micromovement of immediately placed implants. However, the loading magnitude (68,80%) is the most important factor regarding the implant stability in this protocol.

Avaliação biomecânica de implantes imediatos com carga imediata: análise 3D em elementos finitos / Biomechanical evaluation of immediately placed implants: CT-based 3D finite element analysis

Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o ambiente biomecânico de implantes imediatos com carga imediata, comparando 3 diferentes magnitudes de carga. Material e Métodos: um modelo em elementos finitos de um incisivo central superior contendo um implante cônico de 13 mm de comprimento e 4,5 mm de plataforma, hexágono interno, foi construído. Elementos de contato friccional foram utilizados para simular as interfaces entre o osso, implante, abutment e parafuso do abutment. Foram aplicadas forças de 50, 100 e 200 N na extremidade superior do abutment. Os dados para a deformação equivalente no osso, as tensões equivalentes no parafuso, deslocamento relativo osso-implante e gap do abutment foram calculados. Resultados/Conclusão: a magnitude das cargas aplicadas sobre os implantes imediatos com carga imediata influenciam significativamente o ambiente biomecânico deste protocolo.

Objective: the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the biomechanical environment of immediately placed implants, by comparing three different loading magnitudes. Material and Methods: a CT-based finite element model of an upper central incisor extraction socket was constructed containing a conical internal hex 13-mm implant. Frictional contact elements were used in the bone, implant, abutment and abutment screw interfaces. Forces of 50, 100 and 200 N were applied on the superior central region of the abutment. Data for the peak equivalent strain in the bone, peak Von Mises stress in the abutment screw, bone-to-implant relative displacement and abutment gap were calculated. Results/Conclusion: the loading magnitudes applied over the implants are capable to greatly influence the biomechanical environment in immediately placed protocol.

Assessment of the primary rotational stability of uncemented hip stems using an analytical model: comparison with finite element analyses.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient primary stability is a prerequisite for the clinical success of cementless implants. Therefore, it is important to have an estimation of the primary stability that can be achieved with new stem designs in a pre-clinical trial. Fast assessment of the primary stability is also useful in the preoperative planning of total hip replacements, and to an even larger extent in intraoperatively custom-made prosthesis systems, which result in a wide variety of stem geometries. METHODS: An analytical model is proposed to numerically predict the relative primary stability of cementless hip stems. This analytical approach is based upon the principle of virtual work and a straightforward mechanical model. For five custom-made implant designs, the resistance against axial rotation was assessed through the analytical model as well as through finite element modelling (FEM). RESULTS: The analytical approach can be considered as a first attempt to theoretically evaluate the primary stability of hip stems without using FEM, which makes it fast and inexpensive compared to other methods. A reasonable agreement was found in the stability ranking of the stems obtained with both methods. However, due to the simplifying assumptions underlying the analytical model it predicts very rigid stability behaviour: estimated stem rotation was two to three orders of magnitude smaller, compared with the FEM results. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the analytical model might be useful as a comparative tool for the assessment of the primary stability of cementless hip stems.

Effect of strain at low-frequency loading on peri-implant bone (re)modelling: a guinea-pig experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether controlled early loading enhances peri-implant bone mass and bone-to-implant contact. Low-frequency stimulation (3 Hz) and varying force amplitudes, causing varying strains, were applied in three guinea-pig series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three series of guinea-pigs received percutaneous TiO(2)-blasted implants in both tibiae. One week after implant installation, one implant was stimulated with a sinusoidally varying bending moment while the contra-lateral implant served as an unloaded control. Force amplitudes of 0.5, 1 and 2 N were applied on a 20-mm-long cantilever, resulting in strains of 133, 267 and 533 muepsilon, respectively, measured by a strain gauge bonded on the surface of the tibial bone at 1.3 mm from the implant's distal surface. Implant stability was followed by means of resonance frequency analysis. Bone-to-implant contact and bone mass [BM (%) bone occupied area fraction] were analysed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: A significant positive effect on the difference in bone mass at the stimulated vs. at the control side was observed in the distal half peri-implant marrow cavity for early mechanical stimulation at a frequency of 3 Hz (P<0.0001). An optimum was reached for the applied load, which causes a strain of approximately 267 muepsilon 1.3 mm from the implant. Implant stability gradually increased in time; no significant effect of early stimulation could be measured. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of early controlled mechanical stimulation on the peri-implant bone, in this cortical bone model, is strongly dependent on force amplitude/strain at low-frequency stimulation.

Effect of controlled early implant loading on bone healing and bone mass in guinea pigs, as assessed by micro-CT and histology.

Without controlled loading, the failure of early loaded oral implants is higher than in delayed loading, unless loading regimens can be identified that stimulate bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether controlled early loading optimizes osseointegration. Six series of guinea pigs received percutaneous implants in both tibiae. One implant was stimulated, the contra-lateral served as the control. The strain rate amplitude varied from 1,620 to 12,000 microstrain s(-1). In vivo microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to study the peri-implant bone at three time points: 1 wk after implantation, but before starting stimulation (V1); 2 wk after stimulation (V2); and 4 wk after stimulation, after the guinea pigs were killed (PM). Bone implant contact and bone mass [BM (%) bone occupied area fraction] were analyzed. The implant failure was 5.9% (six control/one test). Although bone implant contact did not significantly differ, bone mass in the distal half peri-implant marrow cavity was significantly higher around test implants. Strain rate amplitude and the difference in bone mass between test and control implants were inversely correlated. A strain rate amplitude of 1,620 microstrain s(-1) in the cortical bone at a distance of 1.3 mm from the implant showed the highest effect. Based on these results, early loading did not negatively affect the implant outcome. On the contrary, an improved bone reaction in the marrow cavity around early loaded implants was achieved.