Abstract: An external bone distractor (1) having a threaded curvilinear rod (4) including several diametrical flat sections (7,8) with the thread (9) of the rod (4) continuing along longitudinal lines. At least a pair of carriages (2) are engaged on the rod and solidly connected to spindle supports (3). Guide members (10, 13) cooperate with the flat sections for preventing rotation of each of the carriages about the axis of the rod. Adjusting devices (14, 15) position each of the carriages along the length of the rod. The curvilinear rod (4) provides for use of the distractor in reconstruction of curved bone segments, such as in the jaw, face and skull.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external bone distractor (1) of the type that consists of: a threaded curvilinear rod (4) comprising several diametrical flat sections (7, 8) with the thread (9) of said rod (4) continuing along longitudinal lines; at least two carriages (2) which are engaged on said rod (4) and which are solidly connected to spindle supports (3); guide means (10, 13) which co-operate with said flat sections (7, 8) in order to prevent the rotation of each of the carriages (2) around the axis of the rod (4); and means for adjusting (14, 15) the position of each of the carriages (2) along the length of said rod (4). The inventive external bone distractor is characterised in that the rod (4) thereof is curvilinear in shape. Said distractor is suitable for use in the reconstruction of curved bone segments, particularly in the jaw, face and skull.