Digital Image Correlation analysis on the bone displacement during split crest: an ex vivo study

The split crest is an established surgical technique for horizontal bone augmentation. It allows to place implants of adequate diameter in sites where the bone would be too thin for the implantation. In this study, two split crest techniques (using threaded bone expanders or ultrasonic bone surgery) were performed ex vivo on bovine ribs, and dental implants were then inserted in the so prepared implantation sites. Digital image correlation was used to measure the bone external surface displacement throughout the surgical procedures. Both techniques provided an adequate bone volume for implant insertion, and no significant differences were highlighted regarding the displacement. However, bone accidental fracture only occurred during split crest with threaded bone expanders, suggesting differences in the internal strain distribution induced by the two techniques.