Importance

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Abstract

A bone distractor is created which grips bones along their edges and then applies an expansion force between the two bone edges. This expansionary force is used to encourage bone growth and elongation. Two clamps are used; each of the clamps is adapted to engage opposing edges of a bone. A rod extends from one clamp and presses against the other clamp; due to the threads on the clamp and the rod, a turn of the rod applies an expansion force between the two clamps. By selective application of this force, the bone naturally grows and elongates. The invention is particularly useful for craniofacial structures. Not only does the apparatus elongate the bone, but due to the nature of the clamping and forces applied over time, the adjacent soft tissue is also naturally elongated.

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First Claim