Importance

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Abstract

A device and method for distracting a temporomandibular joint and/or repositioning a dislocated disc in a patient. The device comprises upper and lower elongated members that are releasably coupled together by an arrangement that allows pivoting and sliding relative movement. Each member includes a handle at one end and an opposite distal tip configured for engaging teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The lower member includes a clamp for adjustably securing the patient's mandible to the lower member. The device may also include an auxiliary, height adjustable fulcrum located forwardly of the coupling between the members. The auxiliary fulcrum permits the operator to obtain a more advantageous lever, which is useful for freeing a locked jaw in a patient suffering from intra-articular adhesions. The distal tips and/or receptacles mounted on the distal tips may be detachable from a base portion of the device to enhance adaptability of the device to different size patients and anatomies. The receptacles may be pre-filled with impression material and/or disposable. The method of using the device includes positioning the device in the patient's mouth so that the distal tips engage teeth in the upper and lower half-arches of the patient, and squeezing the first and second handles together to separate the distal tips and distract the temporomandibular joint. The lower member may then be slid longitudinally relative to the upper member to reestablishing a normal or improved condyle-disc relationship.

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First Claim