Howard David Dean

Title: Innovations in Musculoskeletal Surgery by Howard David Dean

Introduction

Howard David Dean is a prominent inventor based in Shaker Heights, OH, known for his significant contributions to musculoskeletal reconstructive surgery. With a total of eight patents to his name, Dean has developed innovative methods and devices that enhance surgical procedures and patient outcomes.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Dean has created methods and devices for musculoskeletal reconstructive surgery. One notable invention is a device used in conjunction with fixation hardware that provides a two-stage process to address the competing needs of immobilization and the re-establishment of normal stress-strain trajectories in grafted bone. Additionally, he has developed a method for determining a patient-specific stress/strain pattern utilizing a model based on 3D CT data of relevant structures and cross-sectional data of the three major chewing muscles. This model allows for the determination of forces on each of the chewing muscles based on predetermined bite forces, leading to the assessment of the stiffness of cortical bone in the patient's mandible. Based on this stiffness data, suitable implantation hardware can be designed by adjusting external topological and internal porous geometries to restore normal bite forces. Furthermore, Dean has innovated a method for 3D printing nitinol to create patient-specific devices that facilitate the establishment of normal stress-strain trajectories in grafted bone.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Dean has worked with notable companies such as Osteoplastics, LLC and the Ohio State Innovation Foundation. His work has significantly impacted the field of musculoskeletal surgery, providing solutions that improve surgical techniques and patient recovery.

Collaborations

Dean has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Krishnamoorthy Subramanyan and Alexandros T Moullas, contributing to advancements in surgical technology and patient care.

Conclusion

Howard David Dean's innovative work in musculoskeletal reconstructive surgery exemplifies the importance of research and development in improving medical practices. His patents and collaborations continue to influence the field, paving the way for future advancements in surgical techniques.