Purpose: In indexed literature, a systematic review of the efficacy of statins in enhancing osseointegration is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of local and systemic statin delivery on the osseointegration of implants.
Materials and methods: To address the focused question, "Does local and systemic statin delivery affect osseointegration around implants?", indexed databases were searched from 1965 through November 2015 using various keywords. Letters to the Editor, case reports/case series, historic reviews, and commentaries were excluded. The pattern of this systematic review was customized to primarily summarize the pertinent data.
Results: Nineteen studies were included. All studies were experimental and were performed in animal models. In seven studies, statins were delivered systemically via oral, intraperitoneal, intraosseous, subcutaneous, and percutaneous routes. Among the 12 studies, where statins were delivered locally, statin-coated implants were used in seven studies, whereas in the remaining studies, statins were delivered via topical application on the bone cavities. The follow-up duration ranged between 1 and 12 weeks. Results from 18 studies showed that statin administration enhanced new bone formation (NBF) around implants and/or bone-to-implant contact. One study showed that statin-coated implant surfaces impaired osseointegration. Seven studies reported that statin administration enhanced NBF around implants in osteoporotic rats.
Conclusion: On experimental grounds, local and systemic statin delivery seems to enhance osseointegration; however, from a clinical perspective, further studies are needed to assess the role of statins in promoting osseointegration around dental implants.