An Evaluation of the Resonance Frequency Analysis Device: Examiner Reliability and Repeatability of Readings

Abstract

Initial stability at the placement and development of osseointegration are 2 major issues for implant survival. Many of the presently used noninvasive methods of evaluating the stability of implants are highly subjective. The resonance frequency analysis (RFA) device is claimed to offer a more objective means to assess implant stability. Limited information is available on the interexaminer reliability and repeatability of the RFA device, used to measure implant stability. Two blind in vivo studies were conducted using 50 implant cases. In the first clinical study, 3 investigators took implant stability quotient (ISQ) readings for each implant to check the interoperator reliability for the RFA device. In the second clinical study, implant stability was measured by the same operator using the RFA device for each implant 3 times on the same day with a 15-minute interval, to check the repeatability of the RFA device. Within the limitations of this study, the RFA device demonstrated a high degree of interoperator reliability and repeatability.