The figure to the left shows the overall structure of the enGAUGE device. The figure to the right shows the central profile of the device. A body piece (A) encases an inner slider (B) featuring a V-shaped hole for rod (C) insertion. Two pressurization buttons (D) are used to press the two legs of the rod together. A smaller tip width is achieved, allowing for insertion into the pre-drilled hole of the mandible.
Project Description:
A mandibular fracture refers to the breakage of the jawbone with an annual occurrence of approximately 21,000 fractures per year in the United States alone. One of the most common medical interventions for mandibular fractures is open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). In this procedure, the selection of the correct screw length is crucial to minimizing postoperative complications. A depth gauge is used to measure the thickness of the jawbone before plating. However, due to the inefficiency of the current traditional depth gauge, this measuring step is often skipped, at the cost of increased infection rates as well as decreased stability of the plate and screw system. To improve upon the current traditional depth gauge and address other user needs, we have developed a new depth gauge, the enGAUGE. enGAUGE featuring a double hooking mechanism that automatically hooks onto the cortical bone for a more stable insertion. Further, it allows a more effective single-handed engagement, which will increase the overall speed of the mandibular measuring process, and ultimately decrease postoperative complications.
Dr. Joyce Xu, DDS
Dr. Shelly Abramowicz, DMD, MPH, FACS
Emory Healthcare
