Mandibular Distractor With Nested Threaded Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular distractor devices require significant incisions and may necessitate tracheotomies for infant patients, leading to increased scarring and trauma, and are limited in achieving advancements beyond conventional osteotomy capabilities or during neonatal periods due to bone size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A distractor device with a tubular body internally threaded, featuring a first and second externally threaded post portion and foot plates, allowing for reduced incision implantation and expansion, along with a motorized option for internal activation, enabling gradual bone lengthening without external manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional distractor devices are used for mandibular distraction, then bone advancement can be achieved, but significant incisions and tracheotomies are required leading to increased scarring and trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device is nested within a protective capsule that can be implanted through a small incision. The capsule houses the threaded post and allows for percutaneous adjustment of the distractor mechanism without requiring open surgical access, thereby minimizing scarring and trauma while maintaining ease of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
A motorized actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that can be controlled through a minimally invasive access point. The actuator translates rotational motion into linear distraction of the bone segments, allowing for precise control without requiring large incisions or tracheotomies.
2Length of moving object
If conventional osteotomy techniques are used, then bone position can be corrected, but advancements beyond 12 mm cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device provides dynamic, gradual advancement of bone segments through controlled distraction over time. Unlike static osteotomy techniques that achieve fixed advancement distances, this device allows for progressive movement beyond 12 mm by incrementally adjusting the threaded post, enabling customization for various advancement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous adjustment of the distraction parameter (advancement distance) by rotating the threaded post. This allows the bone advancement distance to be modified incrementally to achieve any desired length, accommodating both small adjustments and large advancements beyond conventional osteotomy limits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional distractor devices are used in neonatal patients, then mandibular advancement can be achieved, but the small bone size limits device applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The compact nested design allows the entire distractor mechanism to be contained within a small implantable capsule, making it suitable for neonatal mandibles with limited space. The capsule protects the mechanism while maintaining a small overall footprint that can accommodate the restricted volume of infant bone structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional segments (capsule, threaded post, actuator mechanism) that can be independently sized and configured. This segmentation allows for miniaturization of each component to fit the smaller neonatal mandible while maintaining the full functionality of the distraction system.
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
Enables minimally invasive implantation and expansion of bone segments with reduced scarring and trauma, accommodating larger advancements and neonatal procedures, while maintaining precise control through motorized activation.
Implementation Method 1
The internal post may comprise a first portion having a first diameter being externally threaded to cooperate with the internally threaded tubular body, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and also being externally threaded
Data Source
AI summary
A distractor device may include a tubular body being internally threaded, a first foot plate extending from the tubular body, and an internal post in the tubular body. The internal post may include a first portion having a first diameter being externally threaded to cooperate with the internally threaded tubular body, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and also being externally threaded. The tubular body may include a longitudinal slot extending from adjacent the first foot plate. The distractor device may include a second foot plate extending through the longitudinal slot and for threadingly coupling to the externally threaded second portion of the internal post. The second portion may include a tool interface on a distal end thereof.