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Ready to ShipOrthoapedic small bone distractor types are based on bone target area and bone fixation. Out of many existing types of distractors for the small bones listed below are the most widely known.
A mono-axial small bone fracture distractor permits distraction in only one fixed motion direction. They are basically designed for parallel osteogenesis. A mono-axial distractor in an orthopedic plate system is used for stable and static fixation in soft bone regions. This type of distractor is used in situations where slow and limited motion of distraction is needed. Mono-axial distractors have applications in hand and foot surgery.
As the name implies, biaxial small bone distractors allow distraction along more than one axis. These are used in complex fracture cases where more flexibility is required in the distraction process. Tissue regeneration has also been seen in motion at the implant site.
Ring distractors include surgeries done in the limb lengthening process. They give a circular fixation around the limb and permit distraction in the required plane. Reduction of angular deformities in long bone fractures, correction of limb length inequalities, and treatment of abnormal bone growth are some applications of ring distractors. Ring distractors remain the preferred type for many since the internal environment of the host’s bone is left undisturbed.
Spacer distractors are distraction devices comprising two self-removable parts separated by a spacer block. Such distractors are typically employed in joint area surgeries. They are used to replace cartilage or bone in joint areas. Some of the stators operate through external frames, while others are implanted inside the bone or joints.
Suppliers of small bone distractors should focus on the following materials in their business for durable and efficient performance.
Due to its properties of high strength and resistance to corrosion and wear, stainless steel remains the most commonly used metal in small bone distractors. The austenitic grade 316L is preferred due to its good weldability and formability. Stainless steel bone distractor frames can be directly autoclaved for sterilization. Stainless steel also is used for permanent and temporary bone fixation implants such as plates, screws, and pins.
Titanium alloys are another commonly used material for making small bone distractors. Some of the properties that make titanium useful are high strength and considerably less weight. It is noticeably more resilient towards fatigue and biomechanical stresses than steel. TC4 or Ti-6-4 and Ti-5-5-4-2 are the most common titanium alloys used in the manufacture of distractors. Other than distractors, metal for orthopedic plates, rods, and screws is made from titanium alloys.
Although aluminum does not have titanium's and stainless steel's high strength, it is lightweight and does not exert any kind of magnetic properties. 6061 and 7075 are the most common aluminum alloys used. Often, the distractor frames pull mechanisms are made from aluminum alloys.
Bone distractors are increasingly being made of polymer materials, especially for short-term applications. Polymers remain less durable but are cheaper and lighter. They can also be formed into complicated shapes easily. Polyether-ether-ketone and polylactic acid are the most common polymers used in biomedical devices. Biodegradable polymers like PLA are perfect for temporary distractors.
Stockists of small bone distractors should target the following uses.
Small bone distractors are used in orthopedic practices to correct limb length discrepancies and joint deformities caused by previous injuries or congenital deformities. Such distractors help in gradual bone repositioning to the required length and alignment.
Bone distractors, especially ring types, are used in bone length expansion or limb lengthening surgeries. In such cases, the bones are slowly pulled apart to encourage new bone development in the space created. This process corrects dwarfism and deformities caused by previous injuries.
In degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis, small bone distractors are used to reconstruct joints. They are placed in joint areas and stimulate the regeneration process of cartilage or bone graft material.
Bone distractors are also used in cases of non-union fractures or delayed union to stimulate the union process. They help in mobilizing the fracture ends and improving blood circulation and soft tissue regeneration. This motion helps and stimulates healing in previously refractured areas.
In tendon injuries with bone attachment avulsions, distractors are used to repair the bone blocks and tendon reinsertion. For this purpose, hand and foot distractors are specifically designed to stabilize the reattached tissue.
As several factors come into play at the time of selecting small bone distractors, buyers' choices will depend on the nature of their clientele and their business model.
Surgery types are the main factor affecting the choice of small bone distractor. A simple monoaxial distractor is sufficient for limb lengthening surgery. For complex fractures involving multiple angles, a bi-axial or ring distractor would be needed. Expandable distractors are preferred when access to surgery is limited.
Soft tissues around the target bones should also be considered. Small bone plates and distractors are more appropriate when working on superficial areas or thin bone layers, such as hand and foot surgeries. These are because monoaxial distractors offer stable fixation without excessive motion. Complex fracture cases with significant soft tissue thickness require more versatile distractors, such as bi-axial or ring devices, which permit better mobility for healing.
In cases where joint reconstruction requires spacer distractors, buyers should stock pre-impacted bone graft composites. Another good option would be bone cement with calcium sulfate and hydroxyapatite for better joint spacing and bone healing. Titanium distractors are for use in weight-bearing areas since they are stronger and more resistant to corrosion than steel. In surgeries performed on minor bones, stainless steel works well because it can easily get into small openings.
The supplier's lead time is also critical when selection bone distractors. The anterior lumbar interbody fusion distractors stock should be purchased in bulk so that they may be procured on time. Often, surgeries can not go on because obligate instruments are missing. Doctors tend to use digital vertebrae distractors with lighter and compact designs to facilitate surgeries in tight areas.
A1: Bone plates provide rigid stability for fracture fixation under normal loading conditions. On the other hand, bone distractors gradually increase the distance between bone segments to stimulate healing through controlled tension.
A2: While external fixation with distractors stabilizes fractures over long periods, continuous wear of pins and potential soft tissue irritation limit extended use in practice. The framework can be replaced by internal fixation after the healing period is over.
A3: Periosteal distractors are under research. More evidence on the healing stimulation mechanism will lead to wider use and commercialization. Suppliers should use titanium and stainless steel to make periosteal distractors to endure.
A4: External stabilisation of shaft deformities through well-applied distractors gradually corrects deformities without inducing compensatory changes in nearby bones, joints, and vessels.
