JP2793771B2 - Medical coupling fixture - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medical connecting fixture which is used for connecting and fixing teeth and bones and exerts a fastening force.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the treatment, correction, and joining of teeth and bones, it is sometimes necessary to connect and fix the teeth and bones to each other. Wires, bridges, and the like have been developed, and connectors for connecting and fixing bones by bolting using a metal plate or a ceramic material have been developed.

[0003] However, there is a problem that it is difficult for the connecting wire to obtain a sufficient fastening force and durability, and that a bridge or a bolted connecting tool is difficult and time-consuming to mount.

In view of such problems, in recent years, as one type of tooth connection fixture, a shape memory alloy having a property of restoring to an original shape stored in advance by heating to a certain temperature has been used. Things have been suggested. As shown in FIG. 13, such a connecting fixture has a rectangular plate shape as a whole, and cut grooves 2 extending at a predetermined length are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A pair of legs 4, 4 are formed on both sides of the cut groove 2, and each pair of legs 4, 4 extends to both sides as shown by a virtual line in the figure. The stored shape is stored.

[0005] Then, such a connecting fixture is straddled between the objects to be connected and inserted into a previously formed recess.
By heating, each pair of legs 4 and 4 is opened and locked to each connected body, so that a connecting force is exerted between these connected bodies.

However, even with such a connecting fixture using a shape memory alloy, a sufficient fastening force is still hardly exerted on a connected body such as a tooth, and there is room for improvement.

[0007]

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has been improved in that it can exert a larger fastening force on a connected body such as a tooth or a bone. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting fixture having a different structure.

[0008]

In order to solve this problem, a feature of the present invention is that a medical connection fixing device is mounted between connected objects of teeth and bones and connects and fixes the connected objects to each other. A pair of legs extending from the central portion to both sides in the opposite direction, respectively, and are formed of a predetermined shape memory alloy material, and the shape in which each pair of legs is opened or closed is stored. In addition, the medical connecting fixture has a bulge protruding in the opening / closing direction on both outer side surfaces or both inner side surfaces located on the front side in the opening / closing direction due to the shape memory action in the legs forming each pair. .

[0009] In such a medical coupling fixture, the specific shape of the bulge formed on the leg is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape having a curved outer peripheral edge or a semi-circular shape. Various shapes such as a circular shape and a triangular shape having an outer peripheral edge formed of a linear inclined surface can be adopted. Further, the bulge portion may be formed at least on a side surface portion on the front side in the movement direction of each leg portion that is opened and closed by the shape memory effect.

Further, the present invention relates to a medical connecting and fixing device which is mounted between connected objects of teeth and bones and connects and fixes the connected objects to each other. Each pair of legs has a pair of protruding legs, is formed of a predetermined shape memory alloy material, and the shape in which each pair of legs is opened or closed is stored, and the shape of each pair of legs is A medical connecting fixture having a locking projection projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening and closing direction by the memory function is also characterized.

In such a medical connecting fixture, a hook having a umbrella-like or mushroom-like form is provided at the tip of the locking projection in order to advantageously obtain a locking force with respect to the connected body. It is also possible to provide.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
Regardless of whether the leg has a bulge or a locking projection, the base end of the notch between each pair of legs has a substantially circular hole with the leg closed. It is formed with an arc-shaped surface.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the entirety including the central portion and the pair of leg portions is provided regardless of whether the leg portions have a bulge portion or a locking projection. Is formed by a plate-like body having a substantially constant thickness.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a medical connecting fixture 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. The connecting fixture 10 is formed of a plate having a substantially constant thickness as a whole, and each pair of legs 14, 14 and 1
6, 16 extend from a plate-shaped central portion 12 of a predetermined size toward both sides sandwiching the central portion 12 in one direction, and are formed integrally. In addition,
In this embodiment, one pair of legs 14, 14 is shorter in length than the other pair of legs 16, 16.

The legs 14, 14, and 1 forming each pair
6, 16 are both inner surfaces 14a, 14a and 16a, 1
6a has a linearly extending shape, while both outer surfaces 14b, 14b and 16b, 16b have an arcuate curved shape bulging outward. That is, in the present embodiment, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 protrude in the opening direction with respect to both outer side surfaces 14b, 14b and 16b, 16b of the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair. The bulges 18, 18, 20 and 20, each having an outer peripheral edge curved in a circular or elliptical shape, are integrally formed.

Further, a base end portion of a cut portion located between the pair of legs 14, 14 and between the legs 16, 16,
In other words, both inner side surfaces 14a,
14a to the central part 12 on the connection side end and leg 1
6, the central portion 1 of the inner side surfaces 16a, 16a
Base end holes 22 and 24 each having an arc-shaped inner peripheral surface are provided at an end on the connection side with respect to 2.

Here, the connecting fixture 10 is
It is formed of a shape memory alloy. As is well known, a shape memory alloy can be stored at a low temperature (a temperature lower than the martensitic transformation end temperature) by storing a predetermined shape at a high temperature (a temperature sufficiently higher than the martensitic transformation start temperature). Even if it is deformed, it has a function of recovering the memorized shape by raising the temperature, and various conventionally known alloy compositions can be employed.
Considering compatibility with human body tissue, Ni-Ti alloy and C
A u-Zn-Al alloy or the like is suitably employed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 extending from both sides of the central portion 12 are respectively opened. The shape is stored. The legs 14, 1
The opening angles of the legs 4, 16, and 16 are determined in consideration of the fastening force required for the connecting fixture 10, the material, shape, and size of the connected body, and the length and shape of the legs 14, 14, 16, and 16. In this embodiment, α is set to approximately 50 °, although the value is appropriately determined and is not limited.

The connecting fixture 10 in which such a shape is stored is deformed at a low temperature, and as shown in FIG. 3, the legs 14, 14, and 1 forming each pair.
The legs 6 and 16 are each in a closed shape, and are held in a closed state under a low temperature state, and are used in that state. In this closed state, the inner surfaces 14a, 14a and 16a, 16a of the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair are brought into contact with each other, and the inner surfaces 1
Proximal holes 22, 24 provided at the proximal ends of 4a, 14a and 16a, 16a are respectively formed as substantially circular holes.

When the teeth are connected and fixed by using the connecting fixture 10 having such a structure, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the teeth 26 and 28 to be connected as the objects to be connected.
Then, mounting holes 30 and 32 of the connecting fixture 10 are formed. The mounting holes 30, 32 have an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to the shapes of the bulging portions 18, 18, 20, 20, 20 formed in the legs 14, 14, 16, 16, which make up each pair of the connecting fixtures. However, in order to obtain an effective fastening force, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair are required to have the angle: α ′ (α ′ <
α), the bulge 18,
18 and 20, 20 outer surfaces 14b, 14b and 1
It is desirable to form the mounting holes 30 and 32 with an inner peripheral surface shape that the 6b and 16b can contact and fit.

Thereafter, the connecting fixture 10 maintained at a predetermined low temperature and held in the closed state shown in FIG.
It is inserted so as to straddle the mounting holes 30 and 32 formed in 6 and 28, and the connecting fixture 10 is heated to a temperature higher than the reverse transformation end temperature by body temperature or by external heat conduction or electric heating. Heat up to temperature.

Thus, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair of the connecting fixture 10 are deformed in the direction of the open legs by the shape memory effect, and the legs 14, 14, 16, 16, 16 outer surfaces 14b, 14b
And 16b, 16b are brought into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the mounting holes 30, 32 formed in the teeth 26, 28 and fitted.
After the connection fixture 10 is mounted on the teeth 26 and 28, the mounting holes 30 and 32 are further filled with resin, metal, or the like, if necessary.

The connecting fixture 10 thus mounted
Is based on the restoring force to the original shape by the shape memory effect,
By fitting into the mounting holes 30 and 32 of the teeth 26 and 28, a fastening force can be exerted between the teeth 26 and 28. There, the mounting hole 3 of the connecting fixture 10 is provided.
The outer surfaces 14b, 14b and 16b, 16b, which are abutting surfaces to 0, 32, are bulging portions 18, 18, and 20,
20, the opening angle of the outer surfaces 14b, 14b and 16b, 16b is determined by the opening angle of each leg 14, 14, and 16, 16: α '.
Is substantially larger than that, and the component force of the abutting force of each leg 14, 14 and 16, 16 against the mounting hole 30, 32 is advantageously exerted in the fastening direction of the teeth 26, 28. Therefore, the restoring force of the connection fixing tool 10 is
It can be efficiently used as the fastening force of 6, 28, and a large fastening force can be easily obtained.

Further, in the connecting fixture 10 of the present embodiment, the stress generated by the deformation due to the shape memory effect is generated at the base ends of the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair. The concentration is absorbed and alleviated by the base holes 22 and 24, and therefore, the intended fastening force can be obtained stably and with good durability.

Further, the connecting fixture 10 of this embodiment has a plate-like structure having a predetermined thickness as a whole, and therefore has an advantage that it can be easily manufactured by punching or the like. Have.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a connecting fixture 36 as another embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
In the present embodiment, parts having the same structure as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the connecting fixture 36 of the present embodiment, as shown by phantom lines in FIG.
The legs 4, 14 and 16, 16 are stored in a closed form and deformed at a low temperature, thereby forming pairs of legs 14, 14 as shown by the solid line in FIG.
The legs 16 and 16 are each in a shape of being opened, so that the legs are kept open under a low temperature condition.

The legs 14, 14 and 1 forming each pair
Contrary to the first embodiment, the outer surfaces 6b, 16b have a shape in which their outer surfaces 14b, 14b and 16b, 16b extend linearly, while the inner surfaces 14a, 14a and 16a, 16a. However, it has an arcuate curved shape bulging inward. That is, in the present embodiment, both inner side surfaces 14 of the pair of legs 14,
a, 14a and 16a, 16a,
The bulge portions 38, 38 and 40, 40 projecting in the direction in which the 14, 14 and 16 close are integrally formed.

Then, the connecting fixture 10 having such a configuration is provided.
As shown in FIG. 6, in order to perform connection and fixation of the teeth by using the teeth, the legs are opened at low temperatures in the mounting holes 30 and 32 formed in the teeth 26 and 28 to be connected. After loading the connecting fixture 10 held in the
0 is raised to a temperature higher than the reverse transformation end temperature.

As a result, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair of the connecting fixture 10 are deformed in the direction of closing the legs by the shape memory effect, and the legs 14, 14, 16, 16, respectively. 16 inner surfaces 14a, 1
The fastening force is exerted between the teeth 26 and 28 by abutting and fitting the 4a and 16a and 16a on the inner peripheral surfaces of the mounting holes 30 and 32 formed in the teeth 26 and 28.

There, the connecting fixture 36 of the present embodiment is provided.
In the same manner as in the connection fixture 10 of the first embodiment,
Inner side surfaces 14a, 14 which are abutting surfaces to mounting holes 30, 32
a and 16a, 16a are arc-shaped surfaces by the bulges 38, 38 and 40, 40,
When the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 of each pair are closed, the inner surfaces 14a, 14a and 16a, 1
The opening angle of 6a is substantially smaller than the opening angle of each leg 14, 14 and 16, 16, so that each leg 14, 1
The component force of the abutment force of the 4 and 16, 16 against the mounting holes 30, 32 can be advantageously exerted in the fastening direction of the teeth 26, 28, and a large fastening force can be efficiently exhibited. In addition, any other effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be effectively exhibited.

Next, FIGS. 7 and 8 show a connecting fixture 44 as still another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment denote parts having the same structure as in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the connecting fixture 44 of this embodiment, each pair of legs 14, 14 and 16, 16
The central portion 12 is formed so as to extend with a substantially constant width from both the inner and outer side surfaces 14a, 14b and 16a, 16b. That is, in the connecting fixture 44 of the present embodiment, the bulges (18, 20, 38, 40) as in the first and second embodiments are not formed on any of the legs. is there.

Further, each pair of leg portions 14, 14 and 16, 16 is located near the extending end portion, and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the leg portion and the opening and closing direction. , A pin-shaped locking projection 4 protruding on one surface
6, 46 and 48, 48 protrude. In this embodiment, the locking projections 46 and 48 are respectively
It is formed in the shape of a circular rod having a circular cross section of a substantially integral size in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting fixture 44 of the present embodiment stores the form in which the legs 14, 14, and 16, 16 forming each pair are opened. , Deformed under low temperature, as shown in FIG. 9, each pair of legs 14, 14 and 16, 16
Are closed, and are held in a closed state under a low temperature condition.

In order to connect and fix the teeth using the connecting fixture 10 having such a configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 10, the engaging holes 5 are engaged with the teeth 26 and 28 to be connected.
0,52, the legs 14,14 and 16,16 of the connecting fixture 10 kept at a low temperature and kept closed.
The locking projections 46, 46 and 48, 48 projecting from
Each is inserted into each of the engagement holes 50 and 52. Then, the temperature of the connection fixing tool 10 is raised to a temperature higher than the reverse transformation end temperature.

As a result, the legs 14, 14, 16 and 16, which make up each pair of the connecting fixtures 44, are deformed in the opening direction by the shape memory effect, and the respective legs 14, 14, and 16 are deformed. , 16 are provided with locking projections 46, 46 and 48, 48, respectively.
The fastening force is exerted between the teeth 26 and 28 by abutting and fitting to the inner peripheral surfaces of the engagement holes 50 and 52 formed in the teeth 6 and 28.

In this case, the connecting fixture 44 of this embodiment is used.
, The engagement holes 50, 52 in the teeth 26, 28
By appropriately setting the inner peripheral surface shape (curvature, inclination angle, etc. of the abutting portion of the engaging projections 46, 48), the engaging projections 46, 46 and Connecting fixture 4 exerted by the abutment of 48,48
4, the contact force based on the restoring force of both teeth 26, 28
Of the connecting fixture 4
4 can be advantageously exerted as a positioning force on the teeth 26, 28, whereby a large fastening force is efficiently exerted similarly to the first embodiment.

Further, in the connecting fixture 44 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to bury the entirety of the connecting fixture 44 in the tooth, and the engaging holes 50 and 5 in which the engaging projections 46 and 48 are engaged.
Since only two pieces need to be formed, there is also an effect that the cutting amount of the teeth 26 and 28 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 11, it is also possible to provide a large-diameter hooking portion 54 at the tip of the engaging projections 46, 48. Then, the engagement holes 5 of the teeth 26 and 28
By providing an undercut portion at 0 and 52 and locking the hook portion 54 at the undercut portion, the connecting fixture 44 can be more firmly fixed to the teeth 26 and 28, and the connection The fixture 44 can be effectively prevented from coming off the teeth 26, 28.

Also in the connecting fixture having such engaging projections 46 and 48, the pair of legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 is closed as in the second embodiment. At the same time, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 16 forming each pair are formed into a shape in which the legs are opened, and the fastening force to the teeth is obtained based on the shape memory effect of restoring in the direction of closing the legs. Doing so, of course,
It is possible.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are literal examples, and the present invention is not construed as being limited to such specific examples.

For example, in the connecting fixtures 10 and 36 in the first and second embodiments, each leg 1
For each of 4, 4 and 16, one bulge portion 18, 20, 3
8 and 40 are formed, and in the connecting fixture 44 in the third embodiment, one locking projection 46 and 48 is formed for each leg 14 and 16, respectively.
The number of these bulges and locking projections is not limited, and it is also possible to form two or more bulges and locking projections for each leg 14,16.

In each of the connecting fixtures 10 and 36 in the first and second embodiments, each leg 1
Bulging parts 18, 20, 38, 40 in 4, 16
Was formed in a circular or elliptical shape having a curved outer peripheral edge, but the specific shape is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to employ triangular bulges 58 and 60 having outer peripheral edges composed of surfaces. In addition,
FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1, and in order to facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the corresponding portions.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, specific examples of the present invention applied to a tooth connecting and fixing device are shown. However, in addition, a connecting and fixing device for correcting teeth and a denture for connecting and fixing a denture to a healthy tooth are shown. The present invention can be similarly applied to a connection fixing device for forming a bridge structure or a bone connection fixing device for connecting and fixing a fractured portion.

The overall size of the connecting fixture according to the present invention, the size and specific shape of each leg, and the like are appropriately determined according to the application site, the required fastening force, and the like. , But is not limited. Especially,
In the above embodiment, the legs 14, 14 and 16, 1
6 are set to be different from each other, it is of course possible to form them with the same length.

The inner surfaces 14a, 16a of the legs 14, 16 in the connecting fixture 10 of the first embodiment and the outer surfaces 14b, 16b of the legs 14, 16 in the connecting fixture 36 of the second embodiment. And the connecting fixture 44 of the third embodiment.
Side surface 14a, 14b, 1 of each leg 14, 16
6a and 16b do not necessarily have to be linear,
It may be a curved shape or the like.

Furthermore, the connecting fixture 10 of the above embodiment,
The base holes 22 and 24 formed in the bases 36 and 44 are not necessarily provided, and the legs 14 and 16 may be formed in a rod shape instead of a plate shape.

In addition, although not enumerated one by one, the present invention
Based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, the present invention can be implemented in a form in which various changes, modifications, improvements, and the like are made.
It goes without saying that all such embodiments are included within the scope of the present invention, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0051]

As is evident from the above description, a connecting fixture having a structure according to the present invention, in which each leg is formed with a bulge projecting forward in the opening and closing direction due to the shape memory effect. In the above, when the side surface of the leg formed with the bulge is brought into contact with the connected body at the time of attachment to the connected body, the side surface of the leg is formed as a curved surface or the like by the bulge. The contact force is advantageously exerted on the connected object in the fastening direction, whereby the restoring force based on the shape memory action can be efficiently used as the fastening force, and a large fastening force is exhibited. It can be done.

Further, in the connecting fixture having the structure according to the present invention in which the locking projection is formed on each leg, the locking projection to which the locking projection comes into contact when the fitting is mounted. By appropriately setting the shape of the contact surface of the connecting member, the contact force exerted on the connected member by the contact of the locking projection is advantageously exerted on the connected member in the fastening direction. There is a restoring force based on the shape memory effect,
It can be efficiently used as a fastening force, and a large fastening force can be exhibited.

In addition, in the connecting fixture having the locking projections formed as described above, only the engaging surface with which the engaging projections are engaged is required when mounting on the body to be connected. There is also an advantage that the amount of processing such as cutting of the connected body can be reduced.

Further, in the connecting fixture in which the base end of the cut portion between each pair of legs has an arcuate surface, the concentration of stress during the opening and closing deformation of the legs is reduced. The effect of preventing the occurrence of defects such as cracks can also be exhibited.

Further, in the case of the connection fixture formed entirely of a plate having a substantially integral thickness, the connection fixture can be formed by stamping or the like of the plate, so that the manufacturing is easy and the cost is reduced. Can be exhibited.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a connecting fixture as one embodiment of the present invention in a stored shape.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

3 is a plan view showing a deformed shape of the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 1 at the time of mounting before restoration by a shape memory action.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which teeth are fastened using the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory plan view showing a deformed shape at the time of mounting before restoration by a shape memory function of a connecting fixture as another embodiment of the present invention with a solid line, and showing the stored shape with a virtual line.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state where teeth are fastened using the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a coupling fixture according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a stored shape.

8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

9 is a plan view showing a deformed shape of the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 7 at the time of attachment before restoration by a shape memory action.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which teeth are fastened using the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 9;

11 is a main part side view showing another specific example of the locking projection that can be employed in the connecting fixture shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 and showing a coupling fixture according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a stored shape.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a specific example of a conventionally known connection fixing device for teeth.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 36, 44 Connecting fixture 12 Central part 14, 16 Leg 14a, 16a Inner surface 14b, 16b Outer surface 18, 20, 38, 40, 58, 60 Swelling part 22, 24 Base end hole 26, 28 Tooth 30 , 32 mounting holes 46, 48 locking projections 50, 52 engagement holes

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A medical connecting fixture mounted between teeth and bones to be connected to each other to connect and fix the connected bodies to each other. It has a leg, is formed of a predetermined shape memory alloy material, and stores the shape in which each pair of legs is opened or closed, and opens and closes each pair of legs by a shape memory action. A medical connecting fixture having bulges protruding in the opening and closing directions on both outer side surfaces or both inner side surfaces located forward in the direction. 2. A medical connecting fixture mounted between teeth and bones to be connected to each other to connect and fix the connected bodies to each other, wherein each of the pair of medical fixing fixtures extends from a central portion to both sides in the facing direction. It has a leg, is formed of a predetermined shape memory alloy material, and stores a shape in which each pair of legs is opened or closed, and opens and closes each pair of legs by a shape memory action. A medical connecting fixture having a locking projection protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction. 3. The base according to claim 1, wherein a base end of the cut portion between the pair of legs is an arc-shaped surface which becomes a substantially circular hole when the legs are closed. Medical coupling fixture. 4. The medical connection fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the entirety including the central portion and each of the pair of legs is formed of a plate having a substantially constant thickness.