Angularly adjustable maxillary distractor and method of distraction

An angularly adjustable maxillary distractor assembly comprising:

• a horizontal distractor assembly pivotally and detachably connected to a vertical arm member whereby the angle between said horizontal distractor assembly and said vertical arm member is adjustable;
• and
• a malar buttress plate member detachably connected to said vertical arm member;
• whereby with said malar buttress plate member connected to said vertical arm member, said horizontal distractor assembly is detachable from said vertical arm member.

A method of correcting a deformity in a human maxilla through a distraction process comprising:

• creating two osteotomies in the maxilla;
• affixing an angularly adjustable maxillary distractor assembly on opposite sides of each said osteotomy;
• each said maxillary distractor assembly comprising a horizontal distractor assembly pivotally and detachably connected to a vertical arm member whereby the angle between said horizontal distractor assembly and said vertical arm member is adjustable, and a malar buttress plate member detachably connected to said vertical arm member;
• whereby said malar buttress plate member is affixed to the malar buttress and said horizontal distractor assembly is affixed to the maxilla;
• performing the distraction process;
• detaching said horizontal distractor assemblies from the maxilla and from said vertical arm members while said malar buttress plate members remain affixed to said malar buttress, and removing said horizontal distractor assemblies;
• detaching said vertical arm members from said malar buttress plate members;
• and
• leaving said malar buttress plate members affixed to the malar buttress and removing said vertical arm members, whereby said malar buttress plate members remain permanently affixed to said malar buttress.