Flexible Bone Fixation Device for Jaw Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maxillo-mandibular fixation, such as circumdental wiring and arch bars, are time-consuming, interfere with dental hygiene, and lack structural stability, posing risks during procedures like fracture stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system comprising first and second bone fixation devices with securement and attachment locations, connected via a securement device, which are embedded into the mandible and maxilla using bone fasteners to provide stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circumdental wiring techniques are used, then the fixation device is inexpensive, but the technique is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components: fixation bodies that attach to bone, securement devices that connect the bodies, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled quickly during surgery, reducing overall procedural time while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation bodies are pre-formed with specific geometries and attachment features before surgery. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative shaping or complex wiring procedures, allowing for rapid deployment while keeping the overall system cost-effective.
2Ease of manufacture
If circumdental wiring techniques are used, then the fixation device is inexpensive, but it interferes with dental hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation mechanism from the dental arch region by attaching directly to the underlying bone structures. This removes the interfering wires and bars from proximity to the teeth and gums, eliminating their negative impact on dental hygiene while maintaining the cost advantages of simple fixation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system uses bone as an intermediary structure to anchor the fixation devices, rather than using wires that contact the teeth and gums. This intermediary approach provides stable fixation while keeping the dental region clear for proper hygiene maintenance.
3Reliability
If arch bars with wiring are used, then fixation is provided, but the technique is time consuming and creates risk of surgical glove puncture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical wiring system with a simplified mechanism using pre-formed fixation bodies with integrated attachment features. This substitution maintains the reliability of fixation stability while dramatically reducing procedural time and eliminating the need for time-consuming wire manipulation that risks glove puncture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation bodies are pre-formed with integrated attachment features before surgery, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative wiring procedures. This preliminary preparation maintains fixation reliability while reducing procedural time and eliminating glove puncture risks associated with wire manipulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional screw fixation is used, then fixation is provided, but there is a lack of overall structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fixation functions into integrated fixation bodies that combine bone attachment capabilities with securement mechanisms. This consolidation creates a more stable overall structure compared to individual screws, while maintaining the simplicity of installation through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system employs composite structural elements combining rigid fixation bodies with flexible securement devices. This composite approach enhances overall structural stability while maintaining ease of installation, as the rigid components provide stability and the flexible components allow for simple attachment and adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A system for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a bone fixation device including a bone fixation body (29) formed from a plurality of links (31). The links define corresponding crests (32) and valleys (30) so as to impart flexibility into the bone fixation body. Thus, the bone fixation body can be aligned with the dental arch of the mandible and maxilla as necessary, and subsequently fastened to the underlying bone. Each bone fixation device includes at least one attachment location (70) configured to receive a fastener (35) into a jaw bone and a securement location (82) on the fixation body that can attach to a securement device (23), such that the securement device secures the fixation body to a second fixation body which may be attached to the other jaw. The links offset the attachment locations from the securement locations in a direction (A) perpendicular to both the length (L) and the width (T) of the body.