Paragraph Number

15

As used herein, an “pin” refers to an elongated structure. In certain embodiments, a pin can be used to connect two structures or serve as a bearing between two structures. In certain embodiments, a pin can be configured to support a load (including a tension, compression, shear, torsion, and/or bending load). In certain embodiments, a pin may be a cylindrical structure that is thinner than connected structures. A pin can serve a variety of functions and may include a modifier identifying a particular function for example certain solutions may use alignment pins, attachment pins, securement pins, or the like. Pins may serve a temporary or permanent structural purpose. Pins can be used in a variety of devices, components, apparatus, and systems, including but not limited to, fixation plates, measurement instruments, pin guides, cutting guides, surgical instrumentation, and the like. A pin can serve as a fastener either temporarily or permanently. One example of a pin is a Kirschner wire ("K-wire"). A pin can have a variety of geometric cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape, as well as a rectangle, a square, or other polygon. A pin has two ends one end can be blunt and the other end may come to a point. A pin can be made from a variety of materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, or the like. A pin may also be formed of any biocompatible materials, including but not limited to biocompatible metals such as Titanium, Titanium alloys, stainless steel alloys, cobalt-chromium steel alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, shape memory alloys such as Nitinol, biocompatible ceramics, and biocompatible polymers such as Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or a polylactide polymer (e.g. PLLA) and/or others.

Added by DJM Jan 2024