EP2185095A1

EP2185095A1 - Arrangement for forming a bridge structure, and fastening screw therefor

Info

Publication number: EP2185095A1
Application number: EP07800638A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adrian Auderset; Markus Bluemli; Mathias Strazza; Jean-Fred Studer; Hans Messerli
Original assignee: Cendres and Metaux SA
Current assignee: Cendres and Metaux SA
Priority date: 2007-09-12
Filing date: 2007-09-12
Publication date: 2010-05-19
Also published as: US20100209874A1; KR101360813B1; JP2010538706A; CN101861131A; DE212007000106U1; CA2699243A1; KR20100072183A; WO2009033297A1

Abstract

Disclosed is an arrangement for forming a bridge structure to which a prosthesis can be fastened. Said arrangement comprises the following components: a first connecting element (10) with a first end (10a) that has a through-hole (11) through which the end (30c) of a fastening screw (30) can be guided in order to fasten the first connecting element in a specific angular position relative to an implant, and with a second end (10b) that can be connected to a bridge (40); a second connecting element (30; 40) that can be connected to the first connecting element by means of a releasable connection in such a way that the two connecting elements can be moved relative to each other; and securing means (30c; 18) that prevent the two connecting elements from separating when the connecting elements are connected and moved. In a second embodiment, the two connecting elements (60, 10') each comprise an end that has a substantially spherical internal surface and a substantially spherical external surface (66, 15'). In a third embodiment, the head (30a) of a fastening screw (30) has a first substantially spherical external surface and a second substantially conical external surface.

Description

Arrangement for forming a bar construction and fixation screw therefor

The present invention relates to an arrangement for forming a web construction and a fixation screw therefor.

To attach dentures safely, be

Used web constructions that can be attached to implants. Are the implants not parallel to each other?

Jawbone attached, so provision should be made to the web construction to adapt to the angular position of the implants can.

From the patent US 5,219,286 an arrangement of loose connecting elements is known, which are fastened with a further connecting element in the form of a fixation screw. The fasteners have small dimensions and are therefore difficult to handle. If the bridge construction in the mouth to be attached, there is the

Risk of a single connector falling into the patient's throat, being swallowed and, at worst, getting into the trachea or even into one of the lungs ("aspiration"). The arrangement also has the disadvantage that the formed web construction has a relatively high construction.

From EP 393 324 Al, DE 42 11 561 Al and US 2004/0078040 Al further arrangements with several loose connecting elements are known. These are also low

Dimensions, so that the above-mentioned disadvantages arise in terms of handling.

Starting from this prior art, it is a first object of the invention to provide an arrangement for forming a Bar construction to create a simpler handling.

An arrangement which achieves this object is specified in claim 1.

A second object of the invention is to provide an assembly and a fixation screw, which allows a web construction with a flatter construction. This object is achieved by an arrangement according to claim 11 and a fixation screw according to claim 16.

The further claims indicate preferred embodiments of the arrangement and the fixation screw.

The invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments with reference to figures. Show it

1 shows a perspective view of a joint part according to the invention for forming a first embodiment of a web construction;

FIG. 2 shows the joint part according to FIG. 1 in a section along the line II - II in FIG. 3; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the joint part according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a fixation screw for fixing the joint part according to

Fig. 1;

FIG. 5 shows the fixation screw according to FIG. 4 in a sectioned side view; FIG. 6 shows a perspective, partially sectioned view of a first embodiment of the bar construction with joint parts according to FIG. 1 and fixation screws according to FIG. 4; FIG.

FIG. 7 shows the abutment-based bar construction according to FIG. 6 in the sectional plane according to VII-VII in FIG. 6; FIG.

8 shows a perspective view of a first joint part according to the invention for forming a second embodiment of a web construction;

FIG. 9 shows the joint part according to FIG. 8 in a section along the line IX-IX in FIG. 10; FIG.

10 is a plan view of the joint part according to FIG. 8;

11 shows a perspective view of a second joint part according to the invention for forming the second embodiment of a web construction;

FIG. 12 shows the joint part according to FIG. 11 in a section according to the line XII-XII in FIG. 13; FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the joint part according to FIG. 11; FIG.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the joint part according to FIG. 11; FIG.

15 shows a perspective, partially sectioned view of a second embodiment of the bar construction with joint parts according to FIGS. 1, 8 and 11 and fixation screws according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the web construction according to Fig. 15; and 17 in the sectional plane according to XVII-XVII in Fig. 16, the resting on abutments web construction according to FIG.

First embodiment of a web construction

The hinge part 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and the fixation screw 30 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are connecting elements for forming a bar construction, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1-3, the joint part 10 comprises an annular end 10a, from which a rod-shaped end in the form of a pin 10b extends laterally. The two ends 10a and 10b are rigidly connected together by e.g. the hinge part 10 is made in one piece. The annular end 10a has a through-opening 11 which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the pin 10b, as can be seen from the dashed axis lines x and z shown in FIG.

The shape of the passage opening 11 is delimited by a surface, which, seen from the occlusal to apical, comprises the following inner surfaces:

a first tapered inner surface IIa,

a second substantially circular-cylindrical inner surface IIb, a third substantially spherical inner surface 11c, which serves as a ball socket for the fixation screw 30, and

- A fourth formed by a slot inner surface Hd, which is provided with an internal thread 14, whose configuration to the thread of the fixation screw 30th is adjusted. The slot extends in the longitudinal direction 13 of the pin 10b.

The outer surface 15 of the annular end 10a is substantially spherical and rests after mounting on a spherical bearing surface.

The spherical inner surface 11c and the spherical outer surface 15 are each located on a ball. The two balls have a different radius, but the same center 12, which corresponds to the intersection of the three indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 axis lines x, y and z.

The pin 10b has a collar 16, to which a circular cylindrical portion 17 connects, which merges into a pin end 18.

The section 17 has an outer diameter d, which is adapted according to the inner diameter of the male bridge sleeve.

The spigot end 18 is provided with one or more slots 19 and widens radially outward. By this design, clamping means in the form of elastic lamellae, which press against the web sleeve when it is pushed onto the pin 10b.

The fixation screw 30 shown in Figures 4 and 5 comprises a screw head 30a which is connected via a neck 30b to a threaded screw end 30c.

Joint part 10 and fixation screw 30 form a ball joint in the assembled state. For this purpose, the outer surface 31 of the neck adjacent to the neck 30b Screw head 30a formed substantially spherical and is after insertion into the hinge part 10 on the spherical inner surface 11c. Between the spherical outer surface 31 and the free end of the screw head 30a, the outer surface 32 is conical. If, in the assembled state, the fixation screw 30 is tilted with respect to the joint part 10, a part of the conical outer surface 32 rests against the circular-cylindrical inner surface IIb of the joint part 10.

The screw head 30a is provided with a recess 33, the cross section of which deviates from a circular shape, and e.g. is designed as a polygon. To attach the fixation screw 30, a screwdriver is inserted into the recess 33, whose end is complementary to the shape of the recess 33 is formed.

As particularly shown in Fig. 5, the diameter of the neck 30b is smaller than the diameter of the thread 30c. The length of the neck 30b is greater than the length of the thread

14 selected in the hinge part 10.

Joint part 10 and fixation screw 30 are joined together by inserting the screw end 30c into the through-opening 11 of the joint part 10 and screwing it into the thread 14. The fixation screw 30 is then rotated until the screw end 30c is completely threaded through the thread 14 and the neck 30b comes to lie in the slot Hd. The elongated hole Hd, in the plan view according to FIG. 3, has dimensions which are larger than the neck 30b but smaller than the screw end 30c. As a result, joint part 10 and fixation screw 30 are movable relative to one another, in particular pivotable, without it being possible for the fixation screw 30 to detach from the joint part 10. Fig. 6 shows a web construction with two joint parts 10, in each of which a fixation screw 30 is inserted, and with a connecting element in the form of a web 40, which is connected to the two joint parts 10.

The web 40 is in the form of a sleeve which has a circular inner contour and circular outer contour. The inner diameter of the web sleeve 40 corresponds to the outer diameter d of the circular cylindrical portion 17 of the second end 10b of the joint part 10. The diameter of the collar 16 is matched to the diameter of the web sleeve 40, so that a substantially continuous transition is formed. Due to the elastically formed pin end 18, the hinge part 10 is held on the web sleeve 40, that the two parts 10 and 40 are movable relative to each other, but a separation of the connection is prevented. When inserting the pin 10b in the web sleeve 40, a certain force must be overcome, which must also be used when the two parts

10 and 40 should then be separated again.

The bar construction can be attached to two implants that are fixed in the jawbone of the patient. For this purpose, the user lengthens, e.g. the dentist or

Dental technician, the web sleeve 40 corresponding to the given distance of the two implants, screws the fixation screws 30 in the hinge parts 10 until the screw ends 30c fall down on the hinge parts 10, and puts the pins 10b in the web sleeve 40. The individual fasteners 10, 30, 40 are then assembled into an overall construction such that they are secured together but movable relative to each other. This will prevent a single connector from attaching the structure in the patient's mouth and may be swallowed by it.

To mount the web construction serve spherical bearing surfaces 51 on which the hinge parts 10 rest with their outer surfaces 15, as shown in Fig. 7. The respective support surface 51 is e.g. Part of a connecting element 50 in the form of an abutment, which is attached to the implant, for example by means of screw connection. The abutment is to be understood as any suitable connecting part by means of which the bar construction can be fastened to an implant. It is also conceivable to provide the bearing surface 51 directly on the implant.

In the assembled state, the support surface 51 is located on a ball whose center coincides with the center 12 of the spherical surfaces 11c and 31. Joint part 10 and fixation screw 30 and joint part 10 and bearing surface 51 each form a ball joint. Fixation screw 30 and implant extend in the assembled state in

Direction of the z-axis line. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the situation in which the two implants are arranged parallel to one another. In this "ideal state", the hinge part 10 is aligned in the z-direction, so that the web 40 is arranged at right angles thereto. Depending on the given angular position of the implants, the respective joint part 10 is tilted with respect to the fixation screw 30. The spherical surfaces 11c and 31 and 15 and 51 allow the hinge part 10 to pivot in all directions. Due to the geometry of the

Langloch Hd, the hinge part 10 can be tilted in the xz plane to a larger tilt angle than in the yz plane. At the web 40 by means of known means, such as matrices, the dental prosthesis can be fastened.

Regardless of the tilt angle of the joint part 10 of the screw head 30a is received for the most part in the through hole 11. This countersinking of the fixation screw 30 leads to a flat construction of the bar constructions

Second embodiment of a web construction

The first joint part 10 'shown in FIGS. 8-10 and the second joint part 60 shown in FIGS. 11-14 are connecting elements for forming a web construction for four implants, as shown in FIGS. 15-17.

The first joint part 10 'according to FIGS. 8-10 is constructed substantially the same as the joint part 10 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals being used for the same elements. The joint part 10 'differs from the joint part 10 substantially in that the wall thickness of the annular end 10' a is smaller and thereby the outer surface 15 'is located on a ball whose radius is smaller than the spherical radius of the outer surface 15th

The second joint part 60 shown in FIGS. 11-14 serves to be able to attach an additional web to an implant. The hinge part 60 comprises a hinge end 60a and a rod-shaped end 60b which extends laterally from the hinge end 60a and is rigidly connected thereto. The rod-shaped end 60b is advantageously constructed the same as the end 10b of the hinge parts 10 and 10 '. The joint end 60a has a through opening 61, through which the end of the fixation screw 30 can be inserted therethrough. The passage opening 61 is formed as an oblong hole which extends in the direction of the end 60b and which is formed slightly larger in cross-section than the slot Hd.

The hinge end 60a is formed as a shell. The shell has two lateral recesses 63a and 63b, through which respectively the end 10b of the first joint part 10 'can project, and a finger 64 arranged between the recesses 63a and 63b.

The joint end 60a serves on the one hand as a ball socket for the first joint part 10 'and has for this purpose in the

Substantially spherical inner surface 65 on which the outer surface 15 'of the joint part 10' can rest and which extends in the z-direction over the level of the finger 64 extends.

On the other hand, the hinge end 60a forms together with the support surface on which it rests after assembly another ball joint. For this purpose, the joint end 60a has a substantially spherical outer surface 66. The surfaces 65 and 66 each lie on balls with a common center 12, which coincides after assembly with the center 12 about which the first hinge part 10 'is pivotable.

The finger 64 is resilient, so that its position changes with a force in relation to the end 60b and occupies the original position again when the force of the fingers 64. The radius of the spherical surface 65 is chosen slightly smaller than the radius of the spherical surface 15 'selected. When end 10'a becomes end 60a clipped, a snap connection is formed between the first hinge part 10 'and the second hinge part 60, which prevents loosening. In this case, the finger 64 presses against the end 10 'a, so that there is a clamping between the end 10' a and the end 60a.

The wall thickness of the joint end 60a is preferably selected so that the outer surface 65 is equidistant from the center 12, as the outer surface 15 of the joint part 10 of the first embodiment.

The connecting elements 10, 10 ', 30, 40 and 60 are each manufactured in one piece. Depending on requirements, they can also be made of several parts and then joined together to form the individual connecting elements. Suitable materials for preparation are mouth-resistant materials, e.g. Metal, in particular titanium, such as pure titanium. The same material as the implant can be used. The outer contours of the connecting elements 10, 10 ', 30, 40 and 60 are preferably round to u.a. to counteract the risk of injury.

The connecting elements 10, 10 ', 30, 40 and 60 can be assembled to form a web construction 70, as shown in Figs. 15-17. The hole Hd with thread 14 in the joint parts 10 and 10 ', the finger 64 at the joint part 60 and the spigot end 18 with the slots 19 in the joint parts 10, 10' and 60 serve as securing means, which ensure that the connection between the individual connecting elements 10,

10 ', 30, 40 and 60 does not release when they are moved.

The bar construction 70 is finally attached to the four implants, for example by means of abutments 50 or directly to the implants. As in the first embodiment the web construction 70 is located on spherical bearing surfaces 51. The hinge parts 10 at the two ends of the web construction 70 are fixed as in the first embodiment (see Fig. I) ₁ while the interposed hinge parts 10 'and 60 are mounted as shown in Fig. 17.

In the assembled state, fixation screw 30 and joint part 10 'form a first ball joint, joint part 10' and joint part 60, a second ball joint and joint part 60 and bearing surface 51 a third ball joint. In Fig. 17, the state is shown, in which the attached to the two joint parts 10 'and 60 webs 40 are arranged at right angles to the z-axis line along which the implant extends. The two hinge parts 10 'and 60 are independently pivotable relative to the fixation screw 30 and about the common center 12, and can be pivoted in all directions. In particular, the joint part 10 'and the joint part 60 in the xz plane can be pivoted up and down and in the xy plane back and forth. In FIG. 16, the left web 40 is pivoted maximally inward and the right web 40 is pivoted maximally outwards.

The wall thickness of the joint end 10a preferably corresponds substantially to the sum of the wall thickness of the joint end

10 'a and the wall thickness of the joint end 60a, so that the outer surface 15 of the joint part 10 equidistant from the center 12 as the outer surface 66 of the joint part 60. The center 12 is thus at all implants in the z direction at the same level ,

Unless already explained, there are numerous advantages from the conception of the connecting elements shown here: - The individual fasteners 10, 10 ', 30, 40, 60 are connected to a total structure such that they can not unintentionally separate from each other, but still remain mobile to each other. This makes handling much easier. Also is the

Bar design directly adaptable to the given oral situation of the patient as well as easily attachable to the implants. Furthermore, while the bar construction is being adapted and installed, the risk that a single connection element will come loose and be swallowed by the patient due to the securing means Hd, 14, 30c, 18, 19, 64 is eliminated. In particular, aspiration safety is ensured since it is prevented that a single connecting element can enter the respiratory tract.

- Divergences in the implant directions can be easily compensated in all directions.

- The connecting elements 10, 10 ', 30, 40, 60 are attachable such that the web construction is in a substantially stress-free state. Soldering or lasing, which can lead to tensions, is not required.

- The connecting elements 10, 10 ', 30, 40, 60 are connected to each other by means of detachable connection. The bar construction can be removed again from the mouth and it can be replaced if necessary, individual fasteners.

- The web construction has a flat structure. Thus, the shape of the connecting elements 10 'and 60 and 30 ensures, inter alia, that the attachment of two webs on one and the same implant has a flat structure.

- It is sufficient a small number of different types of fasteners to adapt the web design to the given requirements.

- The fasteners are prefabricated. The dentist can perform all the steps required to adjust and insert the bar design directly in the field. There are no laborious steps such as soldering, casting, etc. necessary. Immediately after attaching the bridge construction in the mouth this can be charged.

- The use of abutments makes it possible to adapt the bar construction to different implant types and to the desired height in the mouth.

From the foregoing description, numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Thus, the fasteners shown here for two, three or more implants are used.

The outer contour of the web 40 need not necessarily be circular, but may also have a different shape.

Instead of a web sleeve 40, in which the pins 10b and 60b are inserted, a complementary connection is conceivable in which the rod-shaped end 10b and 60b is formed as a sleeve and the web has the shape of a rod which can be inserted into the sleeves. The collar 16 of the second joint part 10 'may additionally have a circumferential groove, so that the outer surface 15' is increased and the maximum angle by which the joint part 10 'is pivotable in the xy plane is increased.

The spigot end 18 need not necessarily be prefabricated in aufweitender form to achieve a force on the web. It is also conceivable that

To design end of the pin activatable by the pin is slotted and the lamellae thereby formed are pressed apart before assembly of the connecting elements by means of a tool.

To secure the connection between the fixation screw 30 and the joint parts 10 or 10 'and 60 may also be provided an O-ring, which is mounted on the fixation screw 30.

Claims

claims

An arrangement for forming a bar construction to which a prosthesis can be fastened, comprising: a first connecting element (10; 10 '; 60) having a first end (10a; 10'a; 60a) which has a passage opening (11; 61) through which the end (30c) of a fixation screw (30) can be passed in order to fasten the first connection element in a specific angular position with respect to an implant, and a second end (10b; 60b) which is provided with a web (40). is connectable; and a second connecting element (30; 40; 10 ') which can be connected to the first connecting element by means of a detachable connection such that the two connecting elements can be moved relative to one another, characterized by

Securing means (Hd, 14, 30c; 18, 19; 64) which counteract a separation of the two connecting elements when they are connected and moved.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting element is a fixing screw (30) and the securing means comprise a in the through hole (11) formed thread (14) through which the end

(30c) of the fixation screw is hindurchschraubbar.

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the passage opening (11) has a slot (Hd), which comprises the thread (14).

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (60 a) of the first connecting element (60) cup-shaped and by means of a Snap connection with a third end (10 'a) of the second connecting element (10') is connectable.

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the first end (60a) has a finger (64).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (10b, 60b) of the first connecting element (10; 10 ", 60) is rod-shaped and the second connecting element is a web (40) which can be fastened to the second end.

An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the securing means (Hd, 14; 18, 19; 64) comprises clamping means (18, 19) disposed on the second end (10b; 60b) for applying force to the web (40).

8. Arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the second end (10b, 60b) for forming the clamping means (18, 19) has at least one slot (18) and / or is formed widening.

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (10a, 10 'a, 60a) of the first connecting element (10, 10', 60) has a substantially spherical outer surface (15, 15 ', 66) and / or in the

Substantially spherical inner surface (Hc; 65).

10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element (30, 10 ') has an end (30a, 10' a), which is a substantially spherical

Outer surface (31, 15 ') and / or substantially spherical inner surface (Hc).

11. Arrangement for forming a web construction, to which a prosthesis can be fastened, comprising: a first connector (60) having a first end (60a) having a first passage opening (61) and a second end (60b) connectable to a first web (40); and a second connecting member (10 ') having a third end (10'a) having a second through hole (11) and a fourth end (10b) connectable to a second web (40); characterized in that each of the first end (60a) and the third end (10 'a) has a substantially spherical inner surface (65, 31) and a substantially spherical outer surface (66, 15').

12. Arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the first end (60a) of the first connecting element (60) is cup-shaped and by means of a snap connection with the second connecting element (10 ') is connectable.

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (10a, 10 'a) is annular, into which the head (30a) of the or a fixation screw (30) is retractable.

14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two ends (10a, 10b, 10 'a, 10b, 60a, 60b) of the first connecting element (10, 10'; 60) are rigidly connected to each other and this is preferably made in one piece.

15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one abutment (50) which can be fastened to the implant and has a spherical bearing surface (51).

The fixation screw (30) for an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a head (30a) connected to the threaded end (30c) via a neck (30b), characterized in that the head (30a) is a first one in the Has substantially spherical outer surface (31) and a second substantially conical outer surface (32).

The fixation screw (30) of claim 16, wherein the diameter of the neck (30b) is smaller than the diameter of the threaded end (30c).

18. Fixation screw (30) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the head (30 a) has a recess (33) which is preferably formed as a polygon.