“Hole” refers to a gap, an opening, an aperture, a port, a portal, a space or recess in a structure, a void in a structure, or the like. In certain embodiments, a hole can refer to a structure configured specifically for receiving something and/or for allowing access. In certain embodiments, a hole can pass through a structure. In other embodiments, an opening can exist within a structure but not pass through the structure. A hole can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and can have a variety of geometric shapes and/or cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a rectangle, a square, or other polygon, as well as a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape. As used herein, the term “hole” can include one or more modifiers that define specific types of “holes” based on the purpose, function, operation, position, or location of the “hole.” As one example, a “fastener hole” refers to an “hole” adapted, configured, designed, or engineered to accept or accommodate a “fastener.” A “blind hole” is a hole with an opening on one side that does not extend all the way through a structure. In certain embodiments, a hole, including a blind hole, has a circular longitudinal cross-section. Alternatively, or in addition, a hole can have a cross-section of a variety of geometric shapes include a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a slot with rounded ends, a triangle, or the like. … more “Hole” refers to a gap, an opening, an aperture, a port, a portal, a space or recess in a structure, a void in a structure, or the like. In certain embodiments, a hole can refer to a structure configured specifically for receiving something and/or for allowing access. In certain embodiments, a hole can pass through a structure. In other embodiments, an opening can exist within a structure but not pass through the structure. A hole can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and can have a variety of geometric shapes and/or cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a rectangle, a square, or other polygon, as well as a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape. As used herein, the term “hole” can include one or more modifiers that define specific types of “holes” based on the purpose, function, operation, position, or location of the “hole.” As one example, a “fastener hole” refers to an “hole” adapted, configured, designed, or engineered to accept or accommodate a “fastener.” A “blind hole” is a hole with an opening on one side that does not extend all the way through a structure. In certain embodiments, a hole, including a blind hole, has a circular longitudinal cross-section. Alternatively, or in addition, a hole can have a cross-section of a variety of geometric shapes include a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a slot with rounded ends, a triangle, or the like.

"Bone fragment" or "fragment" refers to a part of a bone that is normally part of another bone of a patient. A bone fragment may be partially or wholly separate from another bone of a patient due to a deformity, an osteotomy, a resection, and/or trauma. In one aspect, the bone that a bone fragment is normally part of, connected to, or joined with, is referred to as a parent bone. … more "Bone fragment" or "fragment" refers to a part of a bone that is normally part of another bone of a patient. A bone fragment may be partially or wholly separate from another bone of a patient due to a deformity, an osteotomy, a resection, and/or trauma. In one aspect, the bone that a bone fragment is normally part of, connected to, or joined with, is referred to as a parent bone.

"Engagement feature" or "Engagement member" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect, join, link, couple to, or engage with another object, apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module either permanently or temporarily. The connection, coupling, linkage, or engagement may be a mechanical connection or interconnection. … more "Engagement feature" or "Engagement member" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect, join, link, couple to, or engage with another object, apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module either permanently or temporarily. The connection, coupling, linkage, or engagement may be a mechanical connection or interconnection.

"Open polygon shape" refers to a shape formed by two or more line segments that join at one or more nodes and do not completely connect to form a closed polygon. … more "Open polygon shape" refers to a shape formed by two or more line segments that join at one or more nodes and do not completely connect to form a closed polygon.

"Curve shape" refers to a shape that is curved, circular, in the shape of a circle, oval, parabola, or ellipse, semi circular in shape, of a uniform circular shape, of a nonuniform circular shape, a half circle shape, a partial cannula, a half cannula, or the like. … more "Curve shape" refers to a shape that is curved, circular, in the shape of a circle, oval, parabola, or ellipse, semi circular in shape, of a uniform circular shape, of a nonuniform circular shape, a half circle shape, a partial cannula, a half cannula, or the like.

"Contact surface" refers to a surface or other feature of an object, instrument, or apparatus that is configured, designed, engineered, positioned, or oriented to contact another object, structure, or surface. In one aspect, a contact surface may be specifically configured for the contact with the other object, structure, or surface. For example, the contact surface may include a structure, cross-sectional shape, a contour, a contour shape, a feature, or a coating designed for the contact. For example in one embodiment, the contact surface may include a contour shape designed to facilitate and/or enhance contact and/or engagement between the contact surface and the other object. In another example, in one embodiment, the contact surface may include a lubricant to facilitate a sliding engagement between the contact surface and another object. Alternatively, the contact surface may include an adhesive to prevent or mitigate separation between the contact surface and another object. … more "Contact surface" refers to a surface or other feature of an object, instrument, or apparatus that is configured, designed, engineered, positioned, or oriented to contact another object, structure, or surface. In one aspect, a contact surface may be specifically configured for the contact with the other object, structure, or surface. For example, the contact surface may include a structure, cross-sectional shape, a contour, a contour shape, a feature, or a coating designed for the contact. For example in one embodiment, the contact surface may include a contour shape designed to facilitate and/or enhance contact and/or engagement between the contact surface and the other object. In another example, in one embodiment, the contact surface may include a lubricant to facilitate a sliding engagement between the contact surface and another object. Alternatively, the contact surface may include an adhesive to prevent or mitigate separation between the contact surface and another object.

"Groove" refers to an indentation built into a material. In some implementations, a groove may be a long and narrow indentation. Generally a groove can serve to allow another material or part to move within or along the groove and/or to be guided by the groove. Examples of grooves include, but are not limited to: a canal cut in a hard material, usually metal. The canal can be round, oval or an arc in order to receive another component such as a boss, a tongue or a gasket. The canal can also be on the circumference of a dowel, a bolt, an axle or on the outside or inside of a tube or pipe etc. This canal may receive a circlip, an o-ring, or a gasket; a depression on the entire circumference of a cast or machined wheel, a pulley or sheave. The depression may receive a cable, a rope or a belt; A longitudinal channel formed in a hot rolled rail profile such as a grooved rail. This groove may receive a flange of a train wheel. (Search "groove" on Wikipedia.com May 5, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.) … more "Groove" refers to an indentation built into a material. In some implementations, a groove may be a long and narrow indentation. Generally a groove can serve to allow another material or part to move within or along the groove and/or to be guided by the groove. Examples of grooves include, but are not limited to: a canal cut in a hard material, usually metal. The canal can be round, oval or an arc in order to receive another component such as a boss, a tongue or a gasket. The canal can also be on the circumference of a dowel, a bolt, an axle or on the outside or inside of a tube or pipe etc. This canal may receive a circlip, an o-ring, or a gasket; a depression on the entire circumference of a cast or machined wheel, a pulley or sheave. The depression may receive a cable, a rope or a belt; A longitudinal channel formed in a hot rolled rail profile such as a grooved rail. This groove may receive a flange of a train wheel. (Search "groove" on Wikipedia.com May 5, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.)

"Cannula" refers to a structure configured to enable passage of another structure, object, or fluid from a starting point to an ending point. When used in a medical context, a cannula can comprise a channel, a passage, a tube, a chamber, or a pipe that can be used to convey fluids into or out of a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, a cannula can serve to provide access to an internal part or area of a body of a patient through a minimally invasive opening in parts of the body. More generally, cannula can refer to any structure having two interconnected openings through which objects or fluids can be passed. The objects may be one or more of an implant, a fastener, an instrument, or the like. … more "Cannula" refers to a structure configured to enable passage of another structure, object, or fluid from a starting point to an ending point. When used in a medical context, a cannula can comprise a channel, a passage, a tube, a chamber, or a pipe that can be used to convey fluids into or out of a body of a patient. In certain embodiments, a cannula can serve to provide access to an internal part or area of a body of a patient through a minimally invasive opening in parts of the body. More generally, cannula can refer to any structure having two interconnected openings through which objects or fluids can be passed. The objects may be one or more of an implant, a fastener, an instrument, or the like.

"Prong" refers to a structure that extends from another structure. Often a prong is elongated and may come to a point at the end. A prong may also be referred to as a hook, a spike, tine, point, tip, fork, projection, barb, spur, or the like. … more "Prong" refers to a structure that extends from another structure. Often a prong is elongated and may come to a point at the end. A prong may also be referred to as a hook, a spike, tine, point, tip, fork, projection, barb, spur, or the like.

"Cannulated drill bit" refers to a drill bit, often a surgical drill bit, that includes a tube or opening in the drill bit. In certain embodiments, a tube or opening through the drill bit is coaxial with the drill bit. … more "Cannulated drill bit" refers to a drill bit, often a surgical drill bit, that includes a tube or opening in the drill bit. In certain embodiments, a tube or opening through the drill bit is coaxial with the drill bit.

"Template" refers to a part, component, member, tool, guide, or structure designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to show a user how another object can be positioned, sized, or oriented, with respect to another object. A template may serve as a guide. A template may be part of, integrated with, connected to, attachable to, or coupled to, another structure, device, or instrument. In one embodiment, a template may include a modifier that identifies a particular function, location, orientation, operation, type, and/or a particular structure for which the template is serving as an example or guide. Examples of such modifiers applied to a template, include, but are not limited to, "bone plate template" that identifies how a bone plate might fit, sit, or be oriented on a bone of a patient, a "fastener template" that identifies how a fastener might fit, sit, or be oriented when deployed in a patient, and the like. Furthermore, templates may include modifiers applied due to the procedure or location within a patient for which the template is to be used. For example, where a template is used for fixation of a bone, the template may be referred to herein as an “fixation template.” In one aspect, the template refers to a template configured, designed, and/or engineered to serve as a template for creating, generating, or fabricating a patient specific implant or instrument. In one aspect, the template may be used, as-is, without any further changes, modifications, or adjustments and thus become a non-patient-specific template. In another aspect, the template may be modified, adjusted, or configured to more specifically address the goals, objectives, or needs of a patient or a surgeon and by way of the modifications become a patient-specific template. … more "Template" refers to a part, component, member, tool, guide, or structure designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to show a user how another object can be positioned, sized, or oriented, with respect to another object. A template may serve as a guide. A template may be part of, integrated with, connected to, attachable to, or coupled to, another structure, device, or instrument. In one embodiment, a template may include a modifier that identifies a particular function, location, orientation, operation, type, and/or a particular structure for which the template is serving as an example or guide. Examples of such modifiers applied to a template, include, but are not limited to, "bone plate template" that identifies how a bone plate might fit, sit, or be oriented on a bone of a patient, a "fastener template" that identifies how a fastener might fit, sit, or be oriented when deployed in a patient, and the like. Furthermore, templates may include modifiers applied due to the procedure or location within a patient for which the template is to be used. For example, where a template is used for fixation of a bone, the template may be referred to herein as an “fixation template.” In one aspect, the template refers to a template configured, designed, and/or engineered to serve as a template for creating, generating, or fabricating a patient specific implant or instrument. In one aspect, the template may be used, as-is, without any further changes, modifications, or adjustments and thus become a non-patient-specific template. In another aspect, the template may be modified, adjusted, or configured to more specifically address the goals, objectives, or needs of a patient or a surgeon and by way of the modifications become a patient-specific template.

"Placement guide" refers to a guide that is designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to facilitate placement or deployment of an object, instrument, or implant into, onto, or in another relationship to another object. In one aspect, a placement guide may be used to guide insertion of an implant or fastener into a body part of a patient. … more "Placement guide" refers to a guide that is designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to facilitate placement or deployment of an object, instrument, or implant into, onto, or in another relationship to another object. In one aspect, a placement guide may be used to guide insertion of an implant or fastener into a body part of a patient.

"Parent bone" refers to a bone is disconnected (partially or wholly) from a bone fragment. A parent bone may become separated from a bone fragment due to a deformity or trauma. … more "Parent bone" refers to a bone is disconnected (partially or wholly) from a bone fragment. A parent bone may become separated from a bone fragment due to a deformity or trauma.

"Bone fracture" refers to a medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone. The bone may be broken into one or more pieces. (Search "bone fracture" on Wikipedia.com Apr. 21, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.) Bone fractures can be of one or more types. The name and/or type of fracture can be based on the specific bone involved, the condition of the bone due to the fracture, the type of bone, among other factors. Bone fractures may be closed/simple fractures or open/compound fractures. Bone fractures may be described as non-displaced or displaced. Bone fractures have a specific pattern such as a linear fracture, a transverse fracture, an oblique fracture, a spiral fracture, a compression/wedge fracture, an impacted fracture, and an avulsion fracture. Bone fractures may be incomplete fractures, complete fractures, and comminuted fractures. Bone factures of bones in the foot may be referred to as a lisfranc fracture (one or more metatarsals displaced from the tarsus), jones fracture (fracture of the proximal end of the 5th metatarsal), pseudo-jones fracture (fracture of the proximal end of the 5th metatarsal that includes an articular surface of the base of the 5th metatarsal), march fracture (fracture of the distal third of a metatarsal), cuneiform fracture (fracture of one of the cuneiform bones), calcaneal fracture (fracture of the calcaneus). (Search "bone fracture" on Wikipedia.com Apr. 21, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.) … more "Bone fracture" refers to a medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone. The bone may be broken into one or more pieces. (Search "bone fracture" on Wikipedia.com Apr. 21, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.) Bone fractures can be of one or more types. The name and/or type of fracture can be based on the specific bone involved, the condition of the bone due to the fracture, the type of bone, among other factors. Bone fractures may be closed/simple fractures or open/compound fractures. Bone fractures may be described as non-displaced or displaced. Bone fractures have a specific pattern such as a linear fracture, a transverse fracture, an oblique fracture, a spiral fracture, a compression/wedge fracture, an impacted fracture, and an avulsion fracture. Bone fractures may be incomplete fractures, complete fractures, and comminuted fractures. Bone factures of bones in the foot may be referred to as a lisfranc fracture (one or more metatarsals displaced from the tarsus), jones fracture (fracture of the proximal end of the 5th metatarsal), pseudo-jones fracture (fracture of the proximal end of the 5th metatarsal that includes an articular surface of the base of the 5th metatarsal), march fracture (fracture of the distal third of a metatarsal), cuneiform fracture (fracture of one of the cuneiform bones), calcaneal fracture (fracture of the calcaneus). (Search "bone fracture" on Wikipedia.com Apr. 21, 2022. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 10, 2022.)

"Apex" refers to a highest point on or along a curve. … more "Apex" refers to a highest point on or along a curve.

"Circumscribe" refers to forming a circular shape around a point or another object. Circumscribe can also refer to encircling. … more "Circumscribe" refers to forming a circular shape around a point or another object. Circumscribe can also refer to encircling.

"Cannulated hook" refers to a hook that includes at least a portion of the hook with a cannula formed therein or connected thereto. … more "Cannulated hook" refers to a hook that includes at least a portion of the hook with a cannula formed therein or connected thereto.

"Guide wire" refers to a type of fastener that can be used to guide an instrument or implant as part of a method, process, or procedure, such as a surgical technique. In certain aspects, a guide wire may be designed for temporary use until subsequent steps in a method, process, or procedure. Examples of a guide wire include, but are not limited to, a pin, a K-wire, and the like. … more "Guide wire" refers to a type of fastener that can be used to guide an instrument or implant as part of a method, process, or procedure, such as a surgical technique. In certain aspects, a guide wire may be designed for temporary use until subsequent steps in a method, process, or procedure. Examples of a guide wire include, but are not limited to, a pin, a K-wire, and the like.

"Insertion guide" refers to a guide that is designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to faciliate insertion of an object, instrument, or implant into another object. In one aspect, a insertion guide may be used to guide insertion of an implant or fastener into a body part of a patient. … more "Insertion guide" refers to a guide that is designed, adapted, configured, or engineered to faciliate insertion of an object, instrument, or implant into another object. In one aspect, a insertion guide may be used to guide insertion of an implant or fastener into a body part of a patient.

"Open space" refers to an area within, surrounded by, or between two structures that is void of any structures or objects. … more "Open space" refers to an area within, surrounded by, or between two structures that is void of any structures or objects.