Patent ID: 7771427
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connective tissue distraction device comprising: first transmitting means for transmitting force to a first tissue region, and including a first flange engagement structure; second transmitting means for transmitting force to a second tissue region, and including a second flange engagement structure; and an expansion means, including a screw expansion mechanism having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first L-shaped flange defined by a first vertical plate that receives the screw expansion mechanism and a first horizontal plate extending from the first vertical plate to engage the first flange engagement structure of the first transmitting means, the first flange engagement structure sized to receive the first horizontal plate, the distal end including a second L-shaped flange defined by a second vertical plate connected to the distal end of the screw expansion mechanism and a second horizontal plate extending from the second vertical plate to engage the second flange engagement structure of the second transmitting means, the second flange engagement structure sized to receive the second horizontal plate, the expansion means for exerting force distracting the first transmitting means from the second transmitting means to create a distraction space for formation of distracted connective tissue, wherein the first L-shaped flange disengages from the first flange engagement structure and the L-shaped second flange disengages from the second flange engagement structure, wherein at least one of the first transmitting means, the second transmitting means and the expansion means comprises a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.