Segmented Distraction Device Anchoring for Mandibular Nerve Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distraction osteogenesis devices face challenges in anchoring stability, particularly in sensitive regions like the posterior mandible due to the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve and the thin maxillary sinus, leading to risks of nerve damage and inadequate bone gain, especially in cases of alveolar ridge atrophy where traditional bone plates are ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A distraction device with a plurality of string pull assemblies that can be attached to anchoring implants, allowing for even stress distribution along the osteotomized bone segment, enabling differential bone gain and reducing the risk of nerve damage by using smaller, more superficial anchoring elements, and allowing for adjustment of the distraction vector without additional surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional bone plates and screws are used for anchoring distraction devices, then anchoring stability is achieved, but the risk of nerve damage increases and soft tissue coverage becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidrisk of nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction device is divided into multiple independent anchoring points (first anchoring point on basal bone, second anchoring point on osteotomized bone segment) connected by a drive rod. This segmentation allows each anchoring point to be optimally positioned away from sensitive neural structures while maintaining overall system stability through the rigid connection of the drive rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod acts as an intermediary element that transmits distraction forces between the two bone segments without requiring direct attachment to sensitive areas. By using the drive rod as a mediator, the system achieves stable force transmission while keeping anchoring points in safer, more accessible locations with adequate soft tissue coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If large attachment plates are used for device anchoring, then anchoring stability is improved, but the required vertical bone length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice anchoring stabilityVSAvoidvertical bone length required

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is segmented into two separate attachment points distributed along the distraction vector rather than requiring a single large plate. This allows each attachment point to be smaller and positioned in areas with sufficient vertical bone height, eliminating the need for extensive vertical bone length that would be required for a single large plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring strategy transitions from a vertical stacking approach (requiring sufficient vertical height for large plates) to a distributed spatial arrangement along the distraction vector. By utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the distraction path, the system achieves stable anchoring without being constrained by vertical bone height limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single drive rod is used for distraction, then device simplicity is maintained, but differential bone gain and vector adjustment are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoiddifferential bone gain capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive rod incorporates adjustable components that allow modification of the distraction vector and differential movement at different anchoring points. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying bone growth requirements at different locations while maintaining the fundamental simplicity of a rod-based distraction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 bone lengthening with reduced risk to sensitive nerves, improved stability, and the ability to adjust distraction vectors, making it suitable for complex cases where traditional methods fail, and allows for non-surgical removal, enhancing patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique of bone lengthening occurring by applying gradual controlled tension forces to an osteotomized bone segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

the soft tissue envelope is simultaneously expanded, thereby practically eliminating any limit to bone gain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTissue expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS11771468B2Devices, systems and methods for distraction osteogenesis

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 OSTEOPHILE LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for distraction osteogenesis, and, more particularly, to distraction devices and distraction systems used in the treatment of mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge atrophy, and to methods for utilizing a distraction device or a distraction system for bone tensioning.