## 4 Discussion
On the other hand, the intra-oral parts of the device including the intra-oral distractor should be made from biocompatible materials. The distractors are usually made from stainless steel or Ti-6 Al-4V titanium alloy, which are both biocompatible materials with excellent mechanical properties for this application. The proposed passive distractor offers several potential clinical benefits that can significantly improve patients' quality of life. One key advantage is the elimination of the need for an external power source, which allows for a smaller, more compact device. This not only saves space but also enhances aesthetic outcomes following surgery by avoiding the use of large, external force-generating devices. The smaller size of the device leads to greater patient comfort, reducing discomfort and minimizing interference with everyday activities such as speaking and eating, which are especially important in maxillofacial applications. Moreover, the passive distractor promotes more consistent bone elongation through continuous and controlled movement, while shortening the overall treatment time. This can translate into quicker recovery periods and fewer follow-up visits for manual adjustments, which improves the overall patient experience. By reducing the device's complexity, it also minimizes the risk of complications, further enhancing the surgical outcome. These improvements can have a significant impact on patients' lives by providing a less invasive, more comfortable, and efficient treatment option. This study introduced a pioneering approach to the development of a novel passive distractor mechanism for continuous distraction osteogenesis in MRA. One notable advantage of this approach is the reduction in size of the intra-oral distractor, enhancing patient comfort and surgical maneuverability. The FEA on the surface stress of the distractor was performed to simulate and analyze the performance of the distractor to investigate the effects of the applied forces on the surface deflection of the device. The FEA results show that the designed structure is suitable for use in MRA. The simulation results are almost consistent with the results of the derived analytical model and justify the functionality of the designed device to be used in MRA. However, results from animal studies and clinical trials are needed to see widespread adoption in human MRA due to potential complexities in manufacturing, surgical training requirements, and the need for long-term efficacy evaluation. Additionally, regulatory approval processes may pose challenges to its commercialization. Continuing research and development efforts are warranted to address these challenges and realize the full potential of passive distractor mechanisms in clinical practice. Future directions for the development and application of the proposed passive distractor include several promising avenues for further research and clinical application. Conducting clinical trials with this device will be crucial in demonstrating its benefits and identifying any limitations in real-world settings. These trials will help validate the device's efficacy in comparison to existing alternatives, providing concrete data on patient outcomes such as treatment duration, comfort, and overall success rates. Additionally, this device could be applied in other areas of orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, such as bone elongation for amputated fingers and toes, where precise, controlled distraction is critical. Expanding its use in these areas could address a wider range of clinical needs and broaden its potential impact. Furthermore, coupling the passive distractor with complementary technologies, such as Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultra-Sound (LIPUS), Low-Level LaserTherapy (LLLT), and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), can enhance bone regeneration and accelerate healing. Integrating these advanced technologies with the distractor can further improve the treatment outcomes and lead to novel, innovative approaches in bone reconstruction.