CATEGORY 90 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST CLINICAL Precision and efficiency in bone graft fixation: The USTOMED® Bone Block Fixation Set Abstract Successful bone grafting depends on rigid fixation, precision handling, and predictable stability during healing. The USTOMED® Bone Block Fixation Set provides clinicians with a comprehensive system engineered for efficient fixation of cortical and particulate grafts. Combining aerospace-grade materials, self-retaining screw technology, and ergonomic instrumentation, the system offers a practical solution forgraft stabilization in implantsite development and reconstructive procedures. Introduction Bone augmentation remains a cornerstone of modern implant dentistry and oral reconstruction. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) and bone block onlay techniques both rely on stable fixation of the graft to minimize micromotion and support revascularization and integration. The fundamental principles for predictable regeneration – primary wound closure, angiogenesis, space maintenance and stability (the PASS principles) – highlight the clinical importance of rigid graft fixation. System Composition The USTOMED® Bone Block Fixation Set includes the following components: X 68-720-002 Storage container for titanium screws (Ø 1.2mm / 1.4mm / 1.6mm) X 68-740-002 11 cm ergonomic screwdriver X 68-760-102 60 mm cross-head selfholding blade for Ø 1.2 mm / 1.4 mm screws X Titanium Screw Pack Ø 1.2 mm, length 8 mm (10 screws) X Membrane Screw Pack 10 screws X Pilot Drill Ø 1.0 mm Design and Functionality The system’s precisely milled cross-slotted screw head geometry ensures efficient torque transmission and secure engagement with the self-retaining screwdriver blade. This design allows one-handed screw pickup and placement, reducing the need for additional holding instruments and minimizing contamination risk. The self-holding screws and matched driver improve intraoperative workflow and tactile control during insertion, particularly in confined intraoral access or small bone segment manipulation. Material Innovation and Sterilization The storage box is made from a highperformance aerospace-grade polymer chosen for its durability, low weight, and resistance to repeated reprocessing cycles. All components are compatible with thermo-disinfectors and standard sterilization protocols, aligning with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and CDC guidelines for dental instrument reprocessing. Clinical Application and Indications The USTOMED® system is suitable for fixation of cortical bone blocks in ridge augmentation and onlay grafting, stabilization of resorbable or nonresorbable membranes in GBR, securing autogenous or allogenic graft materials, and temporary fixation during staged implant site preparation. Rigid fixation reduces micromotion and supports revascularization, enhancing the likelihood of predictable graft incorporation. Discussion Rigid fixation is essential for predictable outcomes in bone grafting. The combination of fine-thread titanium screws, precision head geometry, and a matched self-retaining driver contributes to stable fixation and controlled insertion torque, improving handling and reducing micromotion in confined intraoral sites. Conclusion The USTOMED® Bone Block Fixation Set integrates clinical practicality with precision engineering. Its self-retaining screw system, ergonomic instrumentation, and durable storage solution support efficient and predictable graft fixation in implant and reconstructive surgery. X References 1. Wang H-L, Boyapati L. ‘PASS’ Principles for Predictable Bone Regeneration. Implant Dent Today, 2006. 2. Mechanisms of Guided Bone Regeneration: A Review. Open Dentistry Journal, 2014. 3. Straumann / Neodent. Graft Screws Product Information, Clinical Usage, 2020. 4. US Patent 2016/0317254. Self-Retaining Screw Assemblies for Dental Fixation Systems. 5. Robert Koch Institute (RKI) / KRINKO Guidelines on Reprocessing of Medical Devices, 2023. 6. CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2022. 7. ISO 10993: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices. ISO Standards, 2021.
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