Objectives: Early surgical treatment of cleft palate disorder is difficult because of a depression of a frontal development of maxilla after the surgical intervention. On the other side to late surgical treatment cause an improper bone formation - a wide cleft makes reconstruction extremely difficult. System for moving and bending bones during a presurgery period was prepared to solve this problem. Methods: System of micro-palates, brackets and titanium wires is to be inserted during an atraumatic surgery in a local anesthesia. As bone attachments micro-palates tightened with screws are used. The key component of the system is a submucosal micro-mechanical device powered by impulses of electromagnetic field, which can move micro-palates in a chosen direction. Insertion points are chosen earlier using computer tomography. Prepared leaders are used for insertion of elements without eye control. After healing of small (2mm) wounds a moving process begins. Using small impulses of electromagnetic field micro-mechanical device is activated and exerts small, constant force on the micro-palate. Manipulating by turning on or off several micro-devices we can chose direction of movement. This process may last very long, because there is no direct connection between sterile submucosal parts and outer world. Results: Computer simulations of magnetic field propagation, and force analysis shows, that system containing should allow to move and bend cleft bones in any direction. Conclusions: System is a new possibility of cleft palate treatment. It needs intensive animal testing and development before it can be used for humans.

Back to the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 80th General Session (March 6-9, 2002)

Top Level Search