Patent ID: 6302687
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: A61B,A61C

Abstract:
An intraoral appliance for mandibular widening by symphyseal distraction osteogenesis comprising:a) first and second elongated support arms of substantially equal length disposed in facing opposition, each arm comprised of upper and lower aperture-equipped extremities, and a central portion, andb) a displacement mechanism disposed between the central portions of said arms and interactive therewith, said mechanism comprising:1) a turning barrel elongated upon an axis of rotation between first and second end walls, and having a substantially circular cylindrical exterior surface provided with an annular gripping zone comprised of six flat facets in hexagonal array, said facets having instructive indicia,2) a machine screw having a proximal extremity attached to said first arm at said central portion and extending in threaded engagement with an axially centered threaded aperture in said first end wall, and terminating in a distal extremity located within said barrel, and3) a measuring tube slideably emergent from said second end wall upon said axis and extending to a proximal extremity attached to said second arm at said central portion, the distance of emergence of said rod being dependent upon the degree of rotational movement of said barrel.