TOOLS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTERMAXILLARY FIXATION

摘要

Novel tools, accessories and methods for fixing a patient's upper and lower jaws together with flexible straps are disclosed. The tools are intended to either allow placement of a flexible strap to bind items to the teeth, or for using a flexible strap to fasten the upper and lower jaw into place, among other purposes. These accessories include a washer with a ratchet head for mounting on a bone screw, a bone screw with integrated ratchet head, dental blocks for use with the bone screws and washers, a flexible strap provided with a dissection tip for forcing the strap through tissue, and combinations thereof, and tools for inserting flexible straps through the gums, among other tools and accessories.

主权项

1. A system for intermaxillary fixation of a patient's jaw bone using at least one bone screw and at least one flexible strap having ratchet teeth, the system comprising:
at least one intermaxillary fixation accessory capable of attachment to a patient's jaw using a bone screw; wherein the at least one intermaxillary fixation accessory incorporates a ratchet head for receiving a flexible strap; wherein the ratchet head comprises a case having a port for receiving a flexible strap, and a pawl disposed in the port of the ratchet head to engage ratchet teeth on a flexible strap to allow insertion of a flexible strap into the ratchet head but to prevent removal of a flexible strap from the ratchet head.