Biomechanical analysis of axial-radial integrated functional gradient material implants in healthy and osteoporotic bones

Abstract

People with osteoporosis, common among middle-aged and elderly individuals, often need dental implants. Titanium implants, though generally safe, can cause problems due to their stiffness, especially in osteoporotic bone, leading to fractures. This study aims to identify gradient types that offer improved biological adaptation. This was achieved by comparing the mechanical properties of four new two-dimensional functional gradient materials (FGMs) implants to those of conventional and one-dimensional FGM implants in healthy and osteoporotic bone models. The new FGM implants, with reduced stiffness at the bottom and outer parts, kept strain on cancellous bone within safe limits, reducing fracture risk. Notably, the FGM RA L-H implant maintained strain levels within the optimal range (1,500–3,000 µɛ), promoting bone healing and remodeling. By evaluating the stresses and strains, it was concluded that the FGM RA L-H implant is well adapted to significantly reduce stresses and improve bone recovery in healthy and osteoporotic bones.