This device is being developed due to the needs of small bone surgeons. The treatment of small bone fractures of the hand or mandible often requires the use of an external device to maintain the positions of the bones. Also, external devices can be used for 'distraction osteogenesis'. This is a process by which a bone that has a cut made in the centre of it can be made longer by the gradual stretching apart of the two cut parts. This gradual stretching (distraction) allows the formation of new bone with the resultant lengthening of the bone.
An example of this application is the distraction of the mandible (lower jaw bone) of a baby whose mandible is too small at birth. This relatively short mandible can compromise the ability of the baby to breathe.
The problem with current available devices is the large size. The device which has been developed by NewMedical is a fraction of the size of similar devices, but has retained and enhanced the features of competitive devices. The current device weights only 2.3 grams and is constructed of alloys and stainless steel bridging fasteners.
Prototypes have been produced at the NewMedical facilities and have been tested successfully clinically.
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