Paragraph Number

166

As used herein, an "extender" or "extension" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to extend or continue providing one or more features, functions, attributes, characteristics, and/or advantages of a first structure associated with the extender. An extender can include a coupling, connector, or connection feature that enables the extender to connect to, communicate with, or interact with the first structure. An extender or extension may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, acrylic, carbon, biocompatible materials, biodegradable materials or the like. An "extender" or "extension" may 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, or any combination of these materials.

Added by DJM 8 2021