Effect of Neodymium Magnet on Bone Formation around Titanium Implants

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to find out the intensity of magnetic field where magnetism in the titanium implant specimen inserted into the bone could affect the bone formation, and to discover the possibility of clinical application in the areas of dental implants and bone grafts. Methods: 20 adult male rabbits(mean BW 2Kg) were used in this study. Titanium implant specimens were surgically implanted on the mesial side of the tibia of rabbits. Neodymium magnets(Magnedisc 500, Aichi Steel Corp. Japan) were placed into the implants of experimental group except control group, just after placement of the titanium implants. At 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed, specimens were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for light microscopic evaluation and histomorphometric analysis. The Statistical Analysis was done with Mann-Whitney U Test (P<0.05). Results: The results were as follows: 1. In radiographic findings, increased radiopacity downward from crestal bone was observed along the titanium implant specimen at experimental period passed by 2,4, and 8 weeks in both control and experimental group. 2. In histoiogic findings, increased new bone formation was shown in both control and experimental group through the experiment performed for 2,4, and 8 weeks. More new bone formation and bone remodeling were shown in experimental group. 3. In histomorphometric analysis, the bone contact ratios were 11.88% for control group and 38.48% for experimental group (p< .05). Conclusion: The research showed that the magnetism affected the bone formation around titanium implant. It means that a proper magnetism made the osseointegration improved around the implant. So after additional research on the other effect of magnetism on bone formation in implant therapy, we can conclude its possibility of clinical application on implant treatment.