Accuracy of Dental Implant Placement using an Inertial Angulation Device-based Guided Implant Surgery - An Invitro Study

Background: Guided implant surgery has revolutionized dental implantology. Static guides can be restrictive and lack real-time adaptability, while dynamic navigation systems often involve complex setups, high costs, and dependence on line-of-sight visibility.¹ In this context, the use of an inertial navigation device (IND) offers a potential solution that may overcome some of these limitations by introducing a compact, cost-effective, and adaptable method for real-time tracking and guidance.²
Aims and Objectives: This invitro study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary accuracy of using an IND for guided implant surgery.

Methodology: Eighty radio-opaque models were used for the study, consisting of two groups of operators (Experienced and Novice). Mesiodistal and labio-lingual angulation of the dummy implants was planned using pre-treatment CBCT 
in both arches. Each participant placed implants using the IMU device (n=18) and static guides (n=18). Post CBCT was taken and converted to STLs along with the pre-CBCT. 

Results: The Test group and control group were closer to the pre-planned angulation of
the buccolingual direction, especially in the 4th quadrant. Maximum angular deviation in the mesiodistal direction was 13.25^o for the IMU device and 10.82^o for static guides in the novice groups. In the experienced group, the maximum angular deviation was 11.4^o for the IMU device and 8^o for static guides

Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the IMU group and the static guide group among experienced participants. Therefore, the accuracy of the IMU device tested in the
study can be comparable to the static guides conventionally used. Studies indicate that, as experience with advanced systems grows, accuracy tends to improve.