DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE SHAPE, MASS, AND STRENGTH OF ALVEOLAR AND INTRAMEMBRANOUS BONE

摘要

This invention is a device and method for enhancing the shape, mass, and strength of bone, primarily in areas of bony deficit. The device is made up of a hollow body (20) which forms a housing to contain a drive train and provides a surface for attaching mounting elements. A worm gear (22) activating element which meshes with a threaded lead screw (26) acts as the drive train. A carrier (28) is coupled by threads to the lead screw. As the worm gear is turned, the lead screw rotates and causes the carrier to move along the axis of rotation of the lead screw. Harvested bone or other bone attractant material is attached to the carrier. Soft tissue is adapted over the carrier, and the assembly is attached to dental structures (54). After initiation of bridging between the harvested bone and host bone (52), the drive train is activated to move the carrier and newly formed bone (56) grows therebetween.