Importance

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Abstract

Mandibular prosthesis apparatus for mounting on the remaining stump portion of the ascending ramus, at the posterior end of a human mandible, from which has been removed by surgical intervention a diseased or fractured condylar process portion of the ramus as part of the temporomandibular (TM) joint complex of the mandible. The prosthesis apparatus consists of: a synthetic condylar replacement member which is formed of non-toxic, biocompatible Delrin acetal resin and includes an upper knob-shaped condyle portion and a lower cylindrical condyle-supporting stem portion; and a ramus attachment fixture which includes a cylindrical sleeve portion for receiving the cylindrical condyle-supporting stem portion of the condylar replacement member and a mounting panel for attaching the fixture to the stump portion of the ramus. The ramus attachment fixture is formed of tissue-biocompatible, perforated titanium sheet material. Bone screws, applied through the perforations of the titanium sheet material, affix the ramus attachment fixture, via its mounting panel, to the ramus stump and secure the stem portion of the synthetic condylar replacement member within the cylindrical sleeve portion of the attachment fixture to maintain proper orientation of the knob-shaped condyle portion of the replacement member within the TM joint complex of the mandible.

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First Claim