A new device for microincremental automatic distraction osteogenesis

We have invented a distraction device that can be placed intraorally and pr ovides autodistraction. The device consists of two units: an implantable co mponent that is applied directly on the bone, and an external component tha t is distant from the surgical site. The external component is mounted on a standard, battery-driven portable syringe driver or infusion pump. A fine flexible non-compressible tube connects the two. The compression of the bel lows in the external component causes fluid to be forced through the connec ting tube into the distraction component. The combination of the sealed sys tem and incompressible fluid guarantees expansion of the bellows of the dis traction component and gradually separates the bone segments. (C) 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.