Distraction Osteogenesis is a surgical technique used for the treatment of limb length discrepancies, limb deformities, long bone non-unions, and bone loss secondary to trauma.
For decades, patients have resorted to the Ilizarov apparatus, prone to pin tract infections and scarring.
Although implantable lengthening nails have reduced the incidence of complications, they are not applicable in pediatric patients with active growth plates.
The proposed device combines the principles of a telescopic intramedullary limb-lengthening nail and the geometry of locking plates. It’s a unique design specifically conceived for children who are still growing, as it doesn’t interfere with growth plates.
A remote placed above the patient‘s skin allows the device to extent up to few mm per day, easily and precisely, which can be done manually or pre-programmed.
Also, it has been designed to integrate a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) or a Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) technology to accelerate bone regeneration in the distracted gap.
This device represents a major advancement in the field of pediatric limb-lengthening.
The design device is set for a child aged 7 to 10 years old and the research team is already planning to manufacture smaller devices.
Distraction Osteogenesis
Patent Pending (CAN, USA, EUR)
(US20210386464A1)
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Polytechnique Montreal
CONTACT PERSON
Project Director, Business Development
Axelys
sebastien.bergeron@axelys.ca