The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 2009
Filed:
May. 04, 2004
John M. Noon, Paoli, PA (US);
Paul Christopher Ciccone, Lincoln University, PA (US);
John M. Noon, Paoli, PA (US);
Paul Christopher Ciccone, Lincoln University, PA (US);
Synthes (USA), West Chester, PA (US);
Abstract
An external midface distractor is disclosed for attachment to the bones of a patient's cranium and midface region for performing an osteogenesis procedure to gradually lengthen a portion of the craniofacial skeleton. The midface distractor generally includes an external halo assembly for engaging the patient's cranium, a central adjustment assembly, a vertical central rod, at least one horizontal cross piece assembly including at least one distraction screw, and at least one bone engaging portion which is mounted to the targeted facial bone to be distracted. The midface distractor may also include various individual adjustment mechanisms that provide surgeons greater and more precise control over the distraction vector than is available with current devices. That is, the midface distractor may provide surgeons with additional anterior-posterior and medial-lateral adjustments, thus permitting surgeons to more precisely and accurately control the direction of distraction. The midface distractor may also permit surgeons to easily and accurately alter the direction of distraction after the distraction procedure has commenced thereby providing surgeons the ability to readjust the ultimate vector of distraction anytime during the procedure, as necessary.