Jaw fixation and release system for use in orthognathic surgery and in

Abstract

A quick-release system is provided for fixing the upper and lower jaws of a patient together. The system includes at least one elongated release bar that is supported by a plurality of first brackets secured to the teeth of one of the jaws. Each first bracket is sized for receipt on a single tooth and includes a base, a pair of opposing tie wings protruding from an outer surface of the base, and a rigid loop of bracket material connected to the base and defining an opening extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base. The opening is sized for receipt of the release bar so that the release bar is supported loosely by the loops and can be removed from the loops by gripping an end of the release bar and pulling on it. An adhesive is used to secure the inner surfaces of the first brackets to separate teeth on one of the jaws of the patient with the openings in the loops of the first brackets generally aligned with one another so that the release bar is supported by the loops of the first brackets when the release bar is inserted through the aligned loops. A first arch wire is connected to the teeth on the jaw opposite the jaw on which the first brackets are secured, and a plurality of tie wires are tied between the release bar and the arch wire to hold the jaws shut. By pulling the release bar from the loops, the tie wires are released, and the jaws are free to move apart from one another.