Dental Occlusion Ties for Maxillo-Mandibular Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maxillo-mandibular fixation, such as jaw wiring and screw fixation, cause significant patient discomfort, trauma to the gums, and are time-consuming and costly, while also posing risks to the surgical team due to the use of rigid and pointed metal wires.
Innovation Solution
The use of dental occlusion ties and tension band ties that can be applied with minimal tissue disruption and reduced application time, providing a safer and more comfortable option for patients and surgeons, with the ability to be used alone or in combination with internal fixation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jaw wiring methods (arch bars, Ivy loops, Ernst ligatures) are used to achieve maxillo-mandibular fixation, then the fracture can be immobilized, but the procedure causes considerable trauma to the gums and mucosa, requiring general anesthesia and taking significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal wires with a flexible plastic cable tie that can be inserted through the interdental space without causing trauma to the gums and mucosa. The flexible nature of the plastic tie allows it to conform to the dental arch while maintaining sufficient rigidity to provide fracture immobilization when tensioned and locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful metal wire component from the MMF system and replaces it with a biocompatible plastic cable tie. This extraction eliminates the trauma caused by metal wires to the soft tissues while preserving the essential function of fracture immobilization through the cable tie's tensioning and locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If metal wires are used for jaw wiring, then fracture immobilization is achieved, but the rigid and pointed wires pose risks of sharps injuries to the surgical team
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid, pointed metal wire with a flexible plastic cable tie that has a blunt tip. The flexibility and blunt design eliminate the sharps injury risk to the surgical team while maintaining the structural integrity needed for fracture immobilization when the cable is tensioned and locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of rigid metal wires into a benefit by using a flexible plastic material that is inherently safer for the surgical team. The plastic cable tie's flexibility and blunt design transform the sharps hazard into a safe, non-injurious application process while achieving the same immobilization function.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional jaw wiring techniques are applied in the operating room under general anesthesia, then proper dental occlusion can be achieved, but the procedure incurs considerable cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-aligning cable tie design with a ribbed body that automatically positions itself between the teeth in the interdental space. The cable tie's geometry and flexibility allow it to self-adjust to the dental arch form without requiring complex manipulation by the surgeon, thereby reducing application time and enabling the procedure to be performed in an outpatient setting rather than requiring extended operating room time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible plastic, which fundamentally alters the application characteristics. The plastic cable tie can be easily inserted, tensioned, and locked without requiring general anesthesia or extensive surgical time, while still achieving precise dental occlusion positioning through its tensioning mechanism that brings the dental arches into proper alignment.
4Reliability
If conventional wiring methods are used, then maxillo-mandibular fixation is achieved, but the procedure requires general anesthesia and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cable tie with self-aligning features including a ribbed body and specific geometry that allows it to automatically position itself between the teeth without requiring complex surgical manipulation. This self-service capability simplifies the application process, making it easier to perform and reducing the need for general anesthesia, while still providing reliable fracture stabilization when the cable is tensioned and locked.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
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AI summary
Embodiments relate to devices, systems, kits and methods for achieving maxillo- mandibular fixation (MMF). In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of dental occlusion ties and/or tension band ties (referred to herein as "DO ties" and "TB ties," respectively). In another embodiment, a system or kit can comprise a plurality of one or both of DO ties and/or TB ties as well as a trimming tool, comfort caps or material, a lip/cheek retractor, and/or an instruction sheet. DO ties and TB ties can simplify the management of mandible fractures and maxilla fractures by helping re-establish precise dental occlusion for MMF.