Jaw Reconstruction Assembly Alignment Outriggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In jaw replacement surgery, accurately positioning and orienting the reconstructed mandible or maxilla assembly relative to the patient's remaining bone is challenging, which affects the preservation of jaw articulation and dental arch junction.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D modeling and manufacturing process involving a reconstruction assembly comprising a fixation implant, dental prosthesis, fibula flap, and alignment outrigger, where the alignment outrigger ensures correct positioning of the dental prosthesis relative to the fixation implant, allowing precise configuration and orientation before implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical methods are used for jaw reconstruction, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the positioning and orientation of the reconstructed assembly relative to the patient's remaining bone is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating virtual 3-D models of the patient's bone structure and the reconstruction assembly before surgery, and by fabricating physical 3-D models that allow pre-positioning and pre-orientation of the assembly components. This enables the surgical plan to be finalized and the assembly to be configured before the actual implantation, ensuring accurate positioning and orientation relative to the patient's remaining bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating accurate 3-D replicas (virtual and physical models) of the patient's actual bone structure and the reconstruction assembly. These models serve as precise copies that allow surgeons to plan and verify the positioning and orientation of the assembly before actual implantation, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability of jaw articulation preservation.
2Measurement precision
If 3-D modeling and physical models are used to improve positioning accuracy, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex manual measurement and positioning mechanical systems with computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3-D modeling technology. The virtual modeling system allows for precise positioning and orientation calculations to be performed computationally, reducing the need for complex mechanical positioning devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If 3-D physical models are used to ensure proper configuration and orientation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time in model creation and manufacturing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating virtual 3-D models and completing the design and configuration of the reconstruction assembly before the physical manufacturing process. This allows all positioning and orientation decisions to be finalized in the virtual modeling phase, so that physical model fabrication and assembly production can proceed efficiently without requiring time-consuming adjustments during or after manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing computer-aided design software to precisely control and adjust all geometric parameters, dimensions, and configurations of the reconstruction assembly in the virtual modeling phase. This digital parameter control ensures manufacturing precision is achieved through software-based design specifications rather than time-consuming physical trial-and-error adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing and producing a reconstruction assembly for implantation onto a maxilla or mandible to replace a resected or damaged portion, the method utilizing a virtual and a physical 3-D model of a patient, as well as the reconstruction assembly itself, the reconstruction assembly having a fixation implant, a dental prosthesis, a fibular flap, a removable alignment outrigger joined to the dental prosthesis, and implant posts.