Mandibulomaxillary stabilization system
AssigneeClemson University
InventorsTyler Youngman, Natalie Patzin, John O'Donnell, Jeff Willis, Robert Brown
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mandibuiomaxillary fracture stabilization system, methods of forming the system, and methods of using the system are described. The system includes upper and lower splints that can be custom molded to fit the teeth of a patient and a locking mechanism that can temporarily lock the splints to one another. The splints are attached to the patient's dentition with a dental adhesive and the locking mechanism includes first and second components that are attached to the upper and lower splints, respectively. The locking mechanism includes a quick-release pin that allows the jaw to be freed in case of emergency.
Claims20
A mandibulomaxillary stabilization system comprising:
- an upper splint that is removably attachable to upper dentition, the upper splint comprising a first polymeric material, the upper splint comprising a left upper posterior tooth impression and a right upper posterior tooth impression;
- a lower splint that is removably attachable to lower dentition, the lower splint comprising a second polymeric material, the lower splint comprising a left lower posterior tooth impression and a right lower posterior tooth impression;
- and
- a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a first component that is associated with the upper splint and a second component that is associated with the lower splint, the first and second components releasably interlocking with one another.
A method for stabilizing a temporomandibular joint comprising:
- adhering a first polymeric splint to the upper dentition of a subject;
- adhering a second polymeric splint to the lower dentition of a subject;
- and
- locking a first component and a second component of a locking mechanism to one another, the first component of the locking mechanism being associated with the first polymeric splint and the second component of the locking mechanism being associated with the second polymeric splint such that upon locking the components together, the joint is secured in a fixed orientation.
A method for forming a mandibulomaxillary stabilization system comprising:
- forming a first splint to fit the upper dentition of a patient;
- forming a second splint to fit the lower dentition of a patient;
- associating a first component of a locking mechanism with the first splint;
- and
- associating a second component of a locking mechanism with the second splint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.