Percussion Probe Analysis of Implant Stability and Structural Defects in Biological Tissues

Dynamic loading response has been a subject of concern in a number of studies in the field of restorative medicine. For example, implant borne prostheses are generally made of materials that primarily undergo elastic deformation under dynamic loading, storing and transmitting almost as much mechanical energy as is input to the system. By contrast, cartilage and ligament tissues act as shock absorbers, deforming anelastically in a manner that dissipates a significant amount of the available mechanical energy. This difference between implant structures and their natural counterparts can be problematic and result in unforeseen failure of implants and the surrounding tissues. However, the sources of many of these problems can be avoided altogether or at least corrected if they are carefully tested and monitored with advanced diagnostics.