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US 2012/0259344 A1Published application
Cranial Distractor
AssigneeKLS-Martin, L.P.
InventorThomas S. Johnston, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pair of bone plates adapted for attachment to cranial bone segments, the cranial plates being mounted to a distraction mechanism such that the cranial plates can be separated gradually in very small increments. Each of the cranial plates is mounted to the distraction mechanism with a ball and socket connector assembly, such that each of the plates can move in multiple directions and orientations relative to the distraction mechanism to better accommodate a convex, planar or concave surface topography presented during the distraction procedure.
Claims16
A cranial distractor comprising:
- a linear distraction mechanism having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis;
- a distal cranial plate affixed to said distraction mechanism by a ball and socket connector assembly;
- a proximal cranial plate affixed to said distraction mechanism by a ball and socket connector assembly;
- whereby operation of said distraction mechanism increases the distance between said distal cranial plate and said proximal cranial plate.
1 more element
A cranial distractor comprising:
- a linear distraction mechanism having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, said distraction mechanism comprising an externally threaded drive rod received within an elongated sleeve member having a longitudinal slot;
- a distal cranial plate affixed to said distraction mechanism by a ball and socket connector assembly, whereby said distal cranial plate may tilt up and down, swivel left and right and rotate during a cranial distraction procedure;
- a proximal cranial plate affixed to said distraction mechanism by a ball and socket connector assembly, whereby said proximal cranial plate may tilt up and down, swivel left and right and rotate during a cranial distraction procedure;
- whereby rotation of said externally threaded drive rod relative to said elongated sleeve member of said distraction mechanism produces longitudinal movement of said distal cranial plate or said proximal cranial plate, thereby increasing the distance between said distal cranial plate and said proximal cranial plate.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.