Device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation, enabling the immobilization of the upper and lower jaw of a patient in surgical or post-operative procedures.

Abstract

A surgical device for intermaxillary fixation that shortens operating time, reduces the risk of lacerations and puncture wounds for the surgeon, and results in lower patient morbidity. It consists of a clamp or clasp made of titanium, surgical steel, or another biocompatible material, the free ends of which are positioned in the interdental space. One end of the clamp is placed in the interdental space of the maxilla and the other end in the interdental space of the mandible, so that once inserted, the clamp secures or fixes the maxilla to the mandible, preventing the patient from moving or opening it, thus achieving the goal of intermaxillary fixation. This clamp or device is operated and manipulated using forceps for easy application and removal from the teeth.

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] Intermaxillary fixation is primarily performed to secure mandibular bone fragments for intraoperative and postoperative purposes, as well as to achieve temporary immobilization during the healing phase of mandibular bones that have undergone surgery, or when required as part of a specific treatment, such as jaw fractures or facial deformity correction. Furthermore, intermaxillary fixation is a common surgical procedure for facial trauma, in orthognathic surgery, and in other treatments, aiming to stabilize occlusion. This procedure is not without its challenges, as it is labor-intensive, time-consuming, can cause damage to bone, periodontal, and dental tissues, and is associated with discomfort for the patient, such as pain or difficulties with oral hygiene, among other things.

[0002] In the prior art, mandibular immobilization techniques are largely based on devices that require the tooth wall itself or the mandibular bone for installation. These devices consist of hooks that are glued or tied to the upper and lower teeth, or screwed into the bone tissue. Metal bands are then attached to these hooks, connecting or linking the upper and lower teeth, thus creating a locking mechanism that fixes the jaws and prevents their movement.

[0003] Document US10070944B1 describes a resin reimplantation / MMF device with a dental arch rod, comprising an elongated flexible splint and a plurality of spaced-apart attachments. The flexible splint includes an inward-facing side face and an outward-facing side face. The flexible splint includes a curable component that, upon activation, cures from a malleable state to a rigid state in less than one minute. Each of the attachments is partially embedded in the flexible splint, with each attachment having a projection extending outward from the outward-facing side face of the flexible splint.

[0004] Document WO2020265301A1 describes a dental fixation device for immobilizing the mandible, comprising a plurality of dental bands arranged around one or more teeth, a dental clamp attached to an outer side of the dental band, and at least one connecting element for joining two or more dental bands and providing fixation of the maxillary / mandibular complex. Intermaxillary fixation devices can be easily attached to one or more teeth and do not require attachment to the gingiva and / or penetration into the bone.

[0005] Document GB2122091A describes an orthodontic device for the treatment of teeth to correct a malocclusion, comprising a facebow for attachment to one of the upper or lower dental arches of a patient, wherein the facebow comprises an inner arch for attachment to the dental arch, an outer arch which, when used outside the patient, is positioned to apply traction forces, and first connecting means extending forward to exert an additional traction force between these connecting means and the respective other of the upper and lower dental arches, thereby producing intermaxillary traction.

[0006] Document US8662889B2 describes a system of dental arch bars comprising upper and lower arch bars with movable cross arms and ligature connectors. Fasteners secure the cross arms to the maxilla and mandible of a patient. Ligatures are fastened around the upper and lower ligature connectors to achieve intermaxillary fixation. A method for using the arch bar system to achieve intermaxillary fixation is also described, involving fastening the arch bars to opposing dental arches with generally aligned ligature connectors on the upper and lower arch bars. In some embodiments, a single arch bar is used, and one or more ligature connectors (such as screws) are fixed directly into the bone of the opposing mandible.The ligatures are then attached to the ligature connectors of the toothed arc rod and to the opposing ligature connectors.

[0007] Document EP2231055B1 describes a medical device for intermaxillary fixation or stabilization, comprising a rod with a first attachment loop, a second attachment loop, and a plurality of hooks, wherein the rod is a toothed arch rod and the first and second attachment loops are arranged distal to each other. Another device comprises a rod having a first attachment loop assembly, a second attachment loop assembly, and a plurality of hooks, wherein the rod is a curved rod and the first and second attachment loop assemblies are movably coupled to the rod. The rod may further have one or more additional attachment loop assemblies positioned between the first and second attachment loop assemblies.Each attachment loop assembly can include a bracket, an attachment loop, a shaft, and an attachment screw. The attachment loops can accommodate a screw to secure the dental arch bar to a jaw, the maxilla, and / or a prosthetic appliance.

[0008] Unlike the prior art, the present invention requires no drilling or intervention in the jawbone to attach an element to which fastening or fixation devices, such as wires, elastics, or clasps, are attached. The major advantage is that no damage occurs to the bone, periodontal tissue, or dental tissue, making it more comfortable for the patient, as there is no pain from drilling into the bone and no difficulties with oral hygiene.

[0009] The device of the invention is simple, reduces the operating time, reduces cut and puncture injuries because it does not require wires or ties, and leads to lower morbidity in the patient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the intermaxillary fastening device of the invention, in which a body and end tips are visible. Fig. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the intermaxillary fixation device in a passive state with closed end tips before it is inserted into the interdental space of the maxilla and mandible, and before its body is compressed with a tool to open the end tips. Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the device inserted into the interdental spaces of the upper and lower jaws, with the end tips closed and providing intermaxillary fixation. Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating a specific size. Fig. Figure 5 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating another specific size. Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating another specific size. Fig. Figure 7 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating another specific size. Fig. Figure 8 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating another specific size. Fig. Figure 9 shows a view of the device of the invention, illustrating another specific size. Fig. Figure 10 shows a representation of a kit with devices of different sizes which are made available to the person skilled in the art to adapt to different jaw sizes or tooth heights. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention comprises a surgical device for intermaxillary fixation. The device consists of a one-piece clamp or clip made of a solid wire or rod. The solid wire or rod extends from a first free end, referred to as the end tip, to a first bend point near 90°. The body of the clamp begins at this bend point. From there, the wire or rod extends to a second bend point, where it is again bent near 90°. Subsequently, the wire or rod extends away from the first free end to a third bend point. From the third bend point, at least one complete turn of the solid wire or rod is formed. The path then continues to a fourth bend point. From there, it extends to a fifth bend point near 90°. From there, it extends to a sixth bend point near 90°.From the sixth bending point, the wire or rod extends further and forms a second free end or a second end tip. This completes the clamp that constitutes the device of the invention.

[0011] The at least one complete turn of the wire or rod forming the rear portion of the device of the invention creates a torsion spring that allows the free ends or end tips of the device to open when the points immediately behind the bends are compressed at a near 90° angle, so that the free ends or end tips position themselves in the interdental space, with one free end in the upper jaw and the other free end in the lower jaw. Once both ends of the device are positioned in the free space between the teeth in each jaw, no further compressive force is exerted on the body of the clamp, causing the free ends to close or approach each other and thereby forcing closure, thus achieving intermaxillary fixation.

[0012] The ends of the device can have different lengths from the end tip to the respective bends near 90° in order to provide more or less torsion, depending on how far each end is from the area of ​​the torsion spring. Likewise, the distance between the ends can increase or decrease depending on the intermaxillary distance. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 illustrates different lengths and opening widths between the ends of the device.

[0013] The wire or rod possesses sufficient elasticity so that, when compressed in the area where the torsion spring is formed, it does not easily yield and can be repositioned if necessary. For this purpose, the wire or rod forming the device of the invention is made of titanium, surgical steel, or another biocompatible material with sufficient elasticity for these purposes, although the use of plastic or polymer material capable of fulfilling the function is not excluded. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0014] The device for intermaxillary fixation is formed by a clamp or clip (1) consisting of a one-piece component made of a solid wire or rod extending from a first free end (2) to a bend point (3) of approximately 90°; this section is referred to as the end tip. From there it extends to a second bend point (4), where it is again bent at approximately 90°, in order to continue from this point in the direction from the first free end (2) to a third bend point (5), this section being slightly rounded, and from which at least one complete turn of the solid wire or rod is produced, thereby forming a torsion spring (10).From there, the wire continues to a fourth bending point (6), from which it extends to a fifth bending point (7) of approximately 90°, and from which it extends to a sixth bending point (8) of approximately 90°; this section is referred to as the body of the clamp. From this point (8), a second free end extends as the terminal tip (9) of the wire or rod, thus ending the wire or rod and completing the clamp that forms the device of the invention.

[0015] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows a surgical forceps (11) positioned on the body before a compressive force is applied to the area of ​​the torsion spring (10), with each free end or tip (2) and (9) facing the interdental space of the teeth of the maxilla (12) and mandible (13), respectively. The torsion spring (10) allows the points immediately behind the bends (7) and (4) of approximately 90° to be compressed, causing the free ends or tips of the device to open and be positioned and inserted into the interdental space of the maxilla and mandible.Once both end tips of the device are positioned and inserted in the interdental space of each jaw, no pressure force is exerted on the body of the device in the area of ​​the bends (7) and (4), causing the free ends or end tips (2) and (9) to close or approach each other and thereby forcing the jaws to close, thus achieving intermaxillary fixation, as shown in . Fig. 3 shown.

[0016] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 illustrates various preferred embodiments of the invention, without being limited thereto. Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, that the first free end (2) has a distance (d1) to the first bend (3) that is greater than the distance (d2), as in Fig. 5 shown. This difference in the lengths (d1) and (d2) of the free ends (2) and (9) of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 allows for greater or lesser pressure to be applied to each jaw as needed. Likewise, the opening width (y1) of the device is adjustable. Fig. 4 less than the opening width (y2) of the Fig. 5. This allows the device to be used with different jaw sizes or tooth heights, with the specialist selecting the appropriate device configuration according to the patient's requirements. Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 illustrates different lengths and opening widths between the ends of the device. All size configurations resulting from the different lengths of the free ends (2) and (9) and from the opening widths between them form a kit of devices, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 illustrates these variations. These variations are due to the fact that the size of the teeth differs and the spaces between the teeth also vary. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10070944B1

[0003] WO 2020265301A1

[0004] GB 2122091A

[0005] US 8662889B2

[0006] EP 2231055B1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation, which makes it possible to immobilize both jaws and reduce lacerations and puncture wounds, characterized by, that it consists of a one-piece clamp or clamp (1) comprising a solid wire or rod extending from a first free end, designated as the end tip (2), to a body beginning at a bend point (3) with a bend angle < 90°, from there the wire or rod extends to a second bend point (4) where it is again bent with a bend angle < 90°, in order to continue from this point its course away from the first free end (2) to a third bend point (5) at an angle < 90°, aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the device, from which at least one turn is produced by means of a complete turn of the wire or rod, thereby forming a torsion spring (10), from where the course continues to a fourth bend point (6), from where it continues to a fifth bend point (7), from where it extends and crosses the section,the section formed between the first and second bend points (3, 4) until it reaches a sixth bend point (8), until it forms a section called the body of the clamp, wherein the wire is rotated by 90° at this point (8) and extends from this point (8) as a straight section reaching a second free end or second end tip (9) in a position spaced apart from the first free end (2) of the wire, thereby creating the end of the course of the wire or rod and thus completing the clamp. [2] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation according to claim 1, characterized by , that the free ends or end tips (2) and (9) have different lengths, each up to the respective bending points (3) and (8). [3] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation according to claim 1, characterized by, that the free ends or end tips (2) and (9) have different opening widths between them. [4] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation according to claim 1, characterized by that the wire or rod is made of titanium or another biocompatible material. [5] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation according to claim 1, characterized by that the wire or rod is made of surgical steel. [6] Surgical device for intermaxillary fixation or fixation according to claim 1, characterized by that the wire or rod is made of plastic or polymer material.

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