The present invention provides an improved orthopaedic system for the
modification of the distance between the contralateral maxillary segments
or halves. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two metal bone
plates fixed on the bony palatal shelves, with slotted extensions which
opposite internal walls have concave indents into which disk-shaped wings
of interchangeable distraction modules fit. The in the palatal plane
concave female indent and the convex male wing prevent distraction module
dislocation in case of oblique placement in the axial plane. In the
frontal plane, the male wings are straight.
The extension on the abutment plate has a slit like opening at the caudal
side, to be fitted by a suture or a wire of any kind material, passing
also in an opening in the male wing of the distraction module, to allow
for assembling the units before fixation in the bony palatal shelve.
The abutment plate is made partly malleable for an improved accommodation
to the local alveolar bony anatomy.
The opposing ends of the abutment plate have a shape allowing the anterior
side to slip under the mucoperiosteum similar to a dissecting instrument,
and the posterior end rounded and blunt in a way to protect the palatal
arterioles.
The abutment plates are provided by a slotted hole or slotted holes to
accommodate the osteosynthesis screws or tacks in a preferred position
related to the adjacent dental roots.