"Articular surface" refers to a surface of a structure that is coupled to, and may cooperate with, other structures of a joint of a human or animal to enable movement of structures of the joint. … more "Articular surface" refers to a surface of a structure that is coupled to, and may cooperate with, other structures of a joint of a human or animal to enable movement of structures of the joint.

As used herein, a “tensioner” refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, system, or assembly that is structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to apply or increase tension in, on or to another structure, component, or device. The another structure, component, or device can be any of a variety of things including, but not limited to a thread, a suture, suture tape, a woven structure, a fibrous material, a cord, a ligament, cartilage, muscle, a ligament graft, and/or any of these in combination with each other, or the like. In certain embodiments, a tensioner can be used to release or relax tension in another structure, component, or device. … more As used herein, a “tensioner” refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, system, or assembly that is structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to apply or increase tension in, on or to another structure, component, or device. The another structure, component, or device can be any of a variety of things including, but not limited to a thread, a suture, suture tape, a woven structure, a fibrous material, a cord, a ligament, cartilage, muscle, a ligament graft, and/or any of these in combination with each other, or the like. In certain embodiments, a tensioner can be used to release or relax tension in another structure, component, or device.

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is a joint between a metatarsal and a proximal phalangeal bone (phalanx) of a toe of the foot. … more The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is a joint between a metatarsal and a proximal phalangeal bone (phalanx) of a toe of the foot.

"Zero-out" or "Zeroing" refers to a feature or function of a measuring device, apparatus, or circuit that adjusts or calibrates a measurement system of the measuring device to start using a new reference indicator as a zero point or state for subsequent measurements. The feature can be initiated by an electronic signal, also referred to as a zero-out signal or zero-out input signal, user input or user input data, generated in response to activation of a zero-out button or zero-out switch. A zero-out feature can be used to compensation for errors inherent in a measuring device. A zero-out feature can also be used to set a new zero state or zero point for subsequent measurements taken compensation for errors inherent in a measuring device. A variety of attributes measurable by a measuring device can be measuring using the zero-out feature including, but not limited to, weight (aka tare feature), angle, tilt, tilt axis, rotation, static acceleration, dynamic acceleration, and the like. … more "Zero-out" or "Zeroing" refers to a feature or function of a measuring device, apparatus, or circuit that adjusts or calibrates a measurement system of the measuring device to start using a new reference indicator as a zero point or state for subsequent measurements. The feature can be initiated by an electronic signal, also referred to as a zero-out signal or zero-out input signal, user input or user input data, generated in response to activation of a zero-out button or zero-out switch. A zero-out feature can be used to compensation for errors inherent in a measuring device. A zero-out feature can also be used to set a new zero state or zero point for subsequent measurements taken compensation for errors inherent in a measuring device. A variety of attributes measurable by a measuring device can be measuring using the zero-out feature including, but not limited to, weight (aka tare feature), angle, tilt, tilt axis, rotation, static acceleration, dynamic acceleration, and the like.

"Input device" refers to any apparatus, device, component, module, circuit, sub-circuit, structure, electronic component, hardware, or logic configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to receive input data, input instructions, input information, input signals, or the like from an environment. Often, a user may interact with an input device to provide input information. Examples of input devices includes, but are not limited to a button, a switch, a sensor, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen incorporated into a graphical user interface, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones, transceivers, receivers, other types of input devices, and the like. In various embodiments, input devices can be incorporated into a user interface. … more "Input device" refers to any apparatus, device, component, module, circuit, sub-circuit, structure, electronic component, hardware, or logic configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to receive input data, input instructions, input information, input signals, or the like from an environment. Often, a user may interact with an input device to provide input information. Examples of input devices includes, but are not limited to a button, a switch, a sensor, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen incorporated into a graphical user interface, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones, transceivers, receivers, other types of input devices, and the like. In various embodiments, input devices can be incorporated into a user interface.

"Output device" refers to any apparatus, device, component, module, circuit, sub-circuit, structure, electronic component, hardware, or logic configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to output data, instructions, information, signals, audio information, visual information, video information, or the like. Examples of output devices includes, but are not limited to one or more of a switch, a sensor, an LED, a light, a speaker, a transceiver, a transmitter, a display and the like. In various embodiments, output devices can be incorporated into a user interface. … more "Output device" refers to any apparatus, device, component, module, circuit, sub-circuit, structure, electronic component, hardware, or logic configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to output data, instructions, information, signals, audio information, visual information, video information, or the like. Examples of output devices includes, but are not limited to one or more of a switch, a sensor, an LED, a light, a speaker, a transceiver, a transmitter, a display and the like. In various embodiments, output devices can be incorporated into a user interface.

As used herein, a "housing" refers to a structure that serves to connect, interconnect, surround, enclose, and/or protect one or more other structural components. A housing 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. Often a housing is made from plastic due to its in expense, strength and durability. A housing may also be formed of any biocompatible materials (particularly when part of an implant), 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. A housing may include a frame or framework or function within a larger system, component, structure, or device. … more As used herein, a "housing" refers to a structure that serves to connect, interconnect, surround, enclose, and/or protect one or more other structural components. A housing 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. Often a housing is made from plastic due to its in expense, strength and durability. A housing may also be formed of any biocompatible materials (particularly when part of an implant), 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. A housing may include a frame or framework or function within a larger system, component, structure, or device.

As used herein, a "fixation" or “fixation device” refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, step, process, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect two structures either permanently or temporarily. The two structures may be one or the other or both of manmade and/or biological tissues, hard tissues such as bones, teeth or the like, soft tissues such as ligament, cartilage, tendon, or the like. In certain embodiments, fixation is used as an adjective to describe a device or component or step in securing two structures such that the structures remain connected to each other in a desired position and/or orientation. Fixation devices can also serve to maintain a desired level of tension, compression, or redistribute load and stresses experienced by the two structures and can serve to reduce relative motion of one part relative to others. Examples of fixation devices are many and include both those for external fixation as well as those for internal fixation and include, but are not limited to pins, wires, Kirschner wires (K-wires), screws, anchors, bone anchors, plates, bone plates, intramedullary nails or rods or pins, implants, interbody cages, fusion cages, and the like. … more As used herein, a "fixation" or “fixation device” refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, step, process, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect two structures either permanently or temporarily. The two structures may be one or the other or both of manmade and/or biological tissues, hard tissues such as bones, teeth or the like, soft tissues such as ligament, cartilage, tendon, or the like. In certain embodiments, fixation is used as an adjective to describe a device or component or step in securing two structures such that the structures remain connected to each other in a desired position and/or orientation. Fixation devices can also serve to maintain a desired level of tension, compression, or redistribute load and stresses experienced by the two structures and can serve to reduce relative motion of one part relative to others. Examples of fixation devices are many and include both those for external fixation as well as those for internal fixation and include, but are not limited to pins, wires, Kirschner wires (K-wires), screws, anchors, bone anchors, plates, bone plates, intramedullary nails or rods or pins, implants, interbody cages, fusion cages, and the like.

"Stationary contact" refers to a form of contact between two structures in which during the contact the structures do not translate relative to each other. … more "Stationary contact" refers to a form of contact between two structures in which during the contact the structures do not translate relative to each other.

"Output data" refers to data provided from one device, component, circuit, or apparatus to another device, component, circuit, or apparatus. Examples of output data can include activation of a light, activation of a switch, data values, audio signals, video signals, images, videos, and the like. … more "Output data" refers to data provided from one device, component, circuit, or apparatus to another device, component, circuit, or apparatus. Examples of output data can include activation of a light, activation of a switch, data values, audio signals, video signals, images, videos, and the like.

"Single use" or "single use device" refers to a structure, assembly, system circuit, sub-circuit, circuitry, electronic component, hardware, software, firmware, module, logic, device, button, lever, or apparatus configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to be used one time to performed one or more functions, features, or operations. In certain embodiments, a single use device may include components, structures, or parts that are specifically engineered for use only one time. In certain embodiments, a single use device may include less expensive components that satisfy requisite specifications for use one time but are not expected to meet those same specifications after the single use. For example, a single use device may include a battery power supply with sufficient charge for one use but not more than one use. This configuration may enable the single use device to include a smaller component, like a battery, less reinforcement or use less expensive and/or less durable materials for components of the single use device. In certain embodiments, a single use device can be disposed of after the single use. … more "Single use" or "single use device" refers to a structure, assembly, system circuit, sub-circuit, circuitry, electronic component, hardware, software, firmware, module, logic, device, button, lever, or apparatus configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to be used one time to performed one or more functions, features, or operations. In certain embodiments, a single use device may include components, structures, or parts that are specifically engineered for use only one time. In certain embodiments, a single use device may include less expensive components that satisfy requisite specifications for use one time but are not expected to meet those same specifications after the single use. For example, a single use device may include a battery power supply with sufficient charge for one use but not more than one use. This configuration may enable the single use device to include a smaller component, like a battery, less reinforcement or use less expensive and/or less durable materials for components of the single use device. In certain embodiments, a single use device can be disposed of after the single use.

"Pilot hole" refers to a hole, void, opening, channel, space, or passage that extends from one side of a structure into the structure. A pilot hole can serve as a guide for a fixation device subsequently placed into the pilot hole. A pilot hole can facilitate deployment of the fixation device within the structure. … more "Pilot hole" refers to a hole, void, opening, channel, space, or passage that extends from one side of a structure into the structure. A pilot hole can serve as a guide for a fixation device subsequently placed into the pilot hole. A pilot hole can facilitate deployment of the fixation device within the structure.

"Calibration circuit" refers to any circuit, sub-circuit, electronic component, hardware, software, firmware, module, logic, device, or apparatus configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to change, alter, modify, update, configure, or calibrate an attribute and/or a configuration parameter. … more "Calibration circuit" refers to any circuit, sub-circuit, electronic component, hardware, software, firmware, module, logic, device, or apparatus configured, programmed, designed, arranged, or engineered to change, alter, modify, update, configure, or calibrate an attribute and/or a configuration parameter.

"Bone bore" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to form a bore, hole, or tunnel into and/or through bone of a patient. Examples of a bone bore include a surgical drill bit, an awl, a pedicle probe, and the like. … more "Bone bore" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to form a bore, hole, or tunnel into and/or through bone of a patient. Examples of a bone bore include a surgical drill bit, an awl, a pedicle probe, and the like.

"Pedicle probe" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to probe and/or explore a pedicle structure of a patient's bone. In certain embodiments, a pedicle probe can be used to determine where the pedicle is and how its configuration relates to other structures in the body. In certain embodiments, a pedicle probe can be inserted into a pedicle and pressed through bone of the pedicle to form a pilot hole through the pedicle for a fixation device. … more "Pedicle probe" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly, or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to probe and/or explore a pedicle structure of a patient's bone. In certain embodiments, a pedicle probe can be used to determine where the pedicle is and how its configuration relates to other structures in the body. In certain embodiments, a pedicle probe can be inserted into a pedicle and pressed through bone of the pedicle to form a pilot hole through the pedicle for a fixation device.

"Non-volatile storage media" refers to any hardware, device, component, element, or circuit configured to maintain an alterable physical characteristic used to represent a binary value of zero or one after a primary power source is removed. Non-volatile storage media may be used interchangeably herein with the term non-volatile memory media. … more "Non-volatile storage media" refers to any hardware, device, component, element, or circuit configured to maintain an alterable physical characteristic used to represent a binary value of zero or one after a primary power source is removed. Non-volatile storage media may be used interchangeably herein with the term non-volatile memory media.

"Bone probe" refers to a structure, device, component, assembly, or apparatus configured, designed, engineered or configured to test, explore, investigate, or probe bone, bone parts, and/or attributes of bone of a patient. In certain embodiments, a bone probe can be configured to engage and penetrate bone of the patient. In another embodiment, a bone probe can be configured to contact and remain in contact with a bone or portion of a bone while a process or step is completed. … more "Bone probe" refers to a structure, device, component, assembly, or apparatus configured, designed, engineered or configured to test, explore, investigate, or probe bone, bone parts, and/or attributes of bone of a patient. In certain embodiments, a bone probe can be configured to engage and penetrate bone of the patient. In another embodiment, a bone probe can be configured to contact and remain in contact with a bone or portion of a bone while a process or step is completed.

"Audio signal" refers to a sound and/or an electrical signal converted into an audible sound or signal by a component, circuit, driver, or device. An audio signal can include a variety of sounds or combinations of sounds of various tones and/or frequencies, both with and without a melody. … more "Audio signal" refers to a sound and/or an electrical signal converted into an audible sound or signal by a component, circuit, driver, or device. An audio signal can include a variety of sounds or combinations of sounds of various tones and/or frequencies, both with and without a melody.

Standard medical planes of reference and descriptive terminology are employed in this disclosure. While these terms are commonly used to refer to the human body, certain terms are applicable to physical objects in general. A standard system of three mutually perpendicular reference planes is employed. A sagittal plane divides a body into right and left portions. A coronal plane divides a body into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse plane divides a body into superior and inferior portions. A mid-sagittal, mid-coronal, or mid-transverse plane divides a body into equal portions, which may be bilaterally symmetric. The intersection of the sagittal and coronal planes defines a superior-inferior or cephalad-caudal axis. The intersection of the sagittal and transverse planes defines an anterior-posterior axis. The intersection of the coronal and transverse planes defines a medial-lateral axis. The superior-inferior or cephalad-caudal axis, the anterior-posterior axis, and the medial-lateral axis are mutually perpendicular. Anterior means toward the front of a body. Posterior means toward the back of a body. Superior or cephalad means toward the head. Inferior or caudal means toward the feet or tail. Medial means toward the midline of a body, particularly toward a plane of bilateral symmetry of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of a body or away from a plane of bilateral symmetry of the body. Axial means toward a central axis of a body. Abaxial means away from a central axis of a body. Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body. Contralateral means on the opposite side of the body from the side which has a particular condition or structure. Proximal means toward the trunk of the body. Proximal may also mean toward a user, viewer, or operator. Distal means away from the trunk. Distal may also mean away from a user, viewer, or operator. Dorsal means toward the top of the foot or other body structure. Plantar means toward the sole of the foot or toward the bottom of the body structure. Antegrade means forward moving from a proximal location/position to a distal location/position or moving in a forward direction. Retrograde means backward moving from a distal location/position to a proximal location/position or moving in a backwards direction. Sagittal refers to a midline of a patient’s anatomy, which divides the body into left or right halves. The sagittal plane may be in the center of the body, splitting it into two halves. Prone means a body of a person lying face down. Supine means a body of a person lying face up. … more Standard medical planes of reference and descriptive terminology are employed in this disclosure. While these terms are commonly used to refer to the human body, certain terms are applicable to physical objects in general. A standard system of three mutually perpendicular reference planes is employed. A sagittal plane divides a body into right and left portions. A coronal plane divides a body into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse plane divides a body into superior and inferior portions. A mid-sagittal, mid-coronal, or mid-transverse plane divides a body into equal portions, which may be bilaterally symmetric. The intersection of the sagittal and coronal planes defines a superior-inferior or cephalad-caudal axis. The intersection of the sagittal and transverse planes defines an anterior-posterior axis. The intersection of the coronal and transverse planes defines a medial-lateral axis. The superior-inferior or cephalad-caudal axis, the anterior-posterior axis, and the medial-lateral axis are mutually perpendicular. Anterior means toward the front of a body. Posterior means toward the back of a body. Superior or cephalad means toward the head. Inferior or caudal means toward the feet or tail. Medial means toward the midline of a body, particularly toward a plane of bilateral symmetry of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of a body or away from a plane of bilateral symmetry of the body. Axial means toward a central axis of a body. Abaxial means away from a central axis of a body. Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body. Contralateral means on the opposite side of the body from the side which has a particular condition or structure. Proximal means toward the trunk of the body. Proximal may also mean toward a user, viewer, or operator. Distal means away from the trunk. Distal may also mean away from a user, viewer, or operator. Dorsal means toward the top of the foot or other body structure. Plantar means toward the sole of the foot or toward the bottom of the body structure. Antegrade means forward moving from a proximal location/position to a distal location/position or moving in a forward direction. Retrograde means backward moving from a distal location/position to a proximal location/position or moving in a backwards direction. Sagittal refers to a midline of a patient’s anatomy, which divides the body into left or right halves. The sagittal plane may be in the center of the body, splitting it into two halves. Prone means a body of a person lying face down. Supine means a body of a person lying face up.

"Cortical bone" refers to a type of bone tissue. Cortical bone is a type of bone tissue typically found between an external surface of a bone and an interior area of the bone. Cortical bone is more dense and typically stronger structurally than other types of bone tissue. … more "Cortical bone" refers to a type of bone tissue. Cortical bone is a type of bone tissue typically found between an external surface of a bone and an interior area of the bone. Cortical bone is more dense and typically stronger structurally than other types of bone tissue.