The Use of Dynamic Navigation for the Placement of Zygoma Implants. A Cadaver Study to Compare Accuracy.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the angular, platform, and apical deviation of zygoma implants placed with the aid of a dynamic navigation device compared to the implants placed freehand. Eight cadaver heads were used for the study. Pre-operative CBCT scans were made for the heads, and an implant planning software was used to plan zygoma implants bilaterally in each scanned head. A total of 16 zygoma implants were placed using each surgical technique. Post-implant CBCT scans were merged with the pre-operative plan to evaluate and compare the accuracy of the implants using each technique. Angular and linear deviations of the implants were measured and compared. The effect of implant length and position on the deviation was also investigated. The results showed a mean angular deviation of 2.44 ± 1.10 degrees for implants placed using DN compared to 6.63 ± 4.81degrees for implants placed freehand. The mean apical deviation for implants placed using DN and for implants placed freehand was 2.14 ± 1.02 mm and 3.80 ± 2.49 mm, respectively. Finally, the mean platform deviation for implants placed using DN and for implants placed freehand was 1.66 ± 0.9 mm and 2.81 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. The analysis showed a significant difference between the two angular and apical deviation techniques. ( p=0.001 and 0.029 respectively). Zygoma implants placed with a dynamic navigation device resulted in less apical and angular deviation than implants placed freehand..