External adjustment device for distraction device

A method for stabilizing bone comprising the steps of:

• attaching a bone growth distraction device to a bone, the bone growth distraction device having a proximal portion and a distal portion by a proximal securement member and a distal securement member, wherein the bone growth distraction device includes a magnetic assembly that includes a cylindrical magnet that is configured to rotate on its axis in response to an externally applied magnetic field;
• rotating the cylindrical magnet of the bone growth distraction device with an external adjustment device, wherein the external adjustment device comprises:
• at least one magnet configured to generate a changing magnetic field;
• a bidirectional control configured to effect a change in the magnetic field by causing rotation of the at least one magnet in a first direction or a second direction;
• a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet;
• a drive system operatively coupled to the at least one magnet, the drive system configured to translate rotation of the motor into rotation of the at least one magnet;
• and
• a microcontroller configured to communicate with at least one of the at least one magnet, the drive system, or the at least one bidirectional control and thereby to cause the changing magnetic field to change, wherein the microcontroller is also configured to prevent change of the changing magnetic field in response to one or more pre-determined criteria being met.