Jaw Distractor with Offset Bone Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distractor devices for jaw distraction in oral and maxillofacial surgery face challenges in effectively fixating bone plates due to narrow spacing between them, which limits the maximum displacement and can impact adjacent teeth, particularly the first molar, during osteotomy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A distractor device with adjustable fixing members of different lengths and triangular aperture arrangements allows for precise mounting to the jaw segments without crowding the osteotomy site, enabling greater displacement and minimizing impact on adjacent teeth, using an externally threaded expansion member and complementary internal threading for adjustable distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If bone plates are fixed close together to maximize distraction displacement, then the maximum displacement of bone plates is increased, but the bone plates cannot be effectively fixated without interfering with the osteotomy cut
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by offsetting the bone plates laterally from the osteotomy cut. Instead of only separating plates along the distraction vector, the plates are positioned at different lateral distances, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that provides sufficient space for effective fixation while maintaining the ability to achieve maximum displacement along the distraction vector.
2Reliability
If bone plates are located further from the osteotomy to ensure effective fixation, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the maximum displacement achievable through distraction is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by utilizing lateral offset positioning. The first bone plate is positioned at a first lateral offset distance from the osteotomy cut, while the second bone plate is positioned at a second lateral offset distance. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures effective fixation distance from the osteotomy while maintaining the capability for maximum displacement along the distraction vector.
3Productivity
If the distraction vector is positioned to optimize jaw lengthening, then the jaw bone lengthening effectiveness is improved, but the distraction vector may be displaced below the occlusal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the bone plates at different lateral offsets from the osteotomy cut. This asymmetric arrangement allows the distraction vector to be optimally positioned for jaw bone lengthening effectiveness while maintaining proper alignment with the occlusal plane, as the unequal lateral offsets provide the necessary geometric configuration to control the distraction vector's orientation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device facilitates increased jaw bone lengthening while avoiding damage to adjacent teeth, allowing for more effective orthodontic alignment and improved facial development by enabling precise and controlled distraction of the jaw bone segments.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion member adapted to extend relative to the body
Implementation Method 2
using an externally threaded expansion member and complementary internal threading for adjustable distraction
Data Source
AI summary
A distractor device for distracting a jaw bone divided by osteotomy into an anterior segment and a posterior segment. The distractor device comprises a body, an expansion member adapted to extend relative to the body, a first fixing member extending from the expansion member and having a first mounting portion adapted for mounting to one of the anterior and posterior segments, and a second fixing member extending from the body and having a second mounting portion adapted for mounting to the other of the anterior and posterior segments. In this embodiment, one of the first and second fixing members is shorter in length than the other fixing member, and a distance between the first and second mounting portions being adjustable by movement of the expansion member relative to the body to distract the jaw bone in use.