U-Shaped Mandibular Implants for Ligament-Restricted Augmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for mandibular augmentation are limited by the retaining ligaments of the mandible, which restrict the size and placement of chin implants, thereby limiting the extent of augmentation possible.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular implant with a U-shaped structure and a method of surgical manipulation that releases the anterior mental fibrous condensation and mandibular ligaments, allowing for a larger and more variable implant placement and augmentation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current surgical procedures are used with traditional chin implants, then the procedure is simpler and less invasive, but the augmentation volume is limited and placement is restricted by retaining ligaments
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is divided into distinct segments: releasing the retaining ligaments first, then creating a subperiosteal pocket, and finally placing the extended implant. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, enabling greater augmentation volume while managing surgical complexity through systematic progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ligaments are released before implant placement, and a subperiosteal pocket is created in advance. This preliminary action removes the constraints that would otherwise limit implant size and placement, allowing the full augmentation volume to be achieved without increasing overall procedural complexity.
2Length of moving object
If the implant extends past the mandibular osteocutaneous ligament attachment location, then greater augmentation and jawline enhancement is achieved, but the risk of ligament tension and implant displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ligaments are surgically released and detached from their attachment points on the mandible. This extraction of the constraining ligaments allows the implant to extend freely past the original attachment locations without experiencing ligamentous tension or displacement forces, thereby maintaining stability despite increased length.
Solution Approach 2:
A subperiosteal pocket is created as an intermediary space between the periosteum and the mandible. This pocket accommodates the extended implant, allowing it to extend past the ligament attachment points while the periosteum acts as a barrier that prevents direct ligamentous attachment to the implant, ensuring stability.
3Shape
If the implant is positioned to maximize aesthetic results, then facial proportion and jawline definition are improved, but the placement region is constrained by anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The mandibular osteocutaneous ligaments are released from their attachment points, removing the anatomical constraint that previously limited implant placement. This allows the implant to be positioned freely to achieve optimal jawline contours and facial proportions without being restricted by ligamentous attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design extends into the lateral dimensions along the jawline, with arms that wrap around to the gonial angles. This dimensional extension allows the implant to achieve comprehensive jawline enhancement and improve facial shape by addressing areas that were previously inaccessible due to ligament constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a method of augmenting or enhancing a chin of an individual comprising excising the left and right anterior mental fibrous condensation anteriorly and elevating the left and right medial mandibular and mandibulocutaneous ligaments to create an extended subperiosteal pocket as well as mandibular implants designed to be implanted using such methods.