Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to auditory nerve stimulation to create the perception of sound in the brain of a subject such as an animal or human being. In one form, a system includes an implantable electrode array including a plurality of spaced apart micro-needles. The system also includes a first electrical lead electrically coupled to and extending from the implantable electrode array, and an auditory signal device configured to produce one or more electrical signals representative of communications received from an external processor. An interposer is configured to electrically couple the implantable electrode array and the auditory signal device in an arrangement where one or more electrical signals produced by the auditory signal device may be transmitted through the first electrical lead to the implantable electrode array. Various novel stimulation strategies can be employed, such as place modulated stimulation signals.

Abstract: A plate holder instrument includes a base and a clamp. The clamp is displaceable relative to the base in a longitudinal direction and forms a plate receiving recess with the base. The clamp is displaceable between a released position to allow a bone plate to be loaded into and removed from the plate receiving recess, and a clamped position to lock a plate in the plate receiving recess. An actuator is displaceable relative to the base in a first direction to move the clamp to the released position and a second direction to move the clamp to the clamped position. The plate holder instrument can be combined with one or more surgical instruments, bone plates, screws, tools, taps, depth gauges, screw drivers and/or other accessories as a kit.

Abstract: A metatarsal alignment apparatus and methods are provided for orienting and maintaining a 1st metatarsal bone in a natural anatomical position during surgical procedures for treating a hallux valgus deformity by way of arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint. The metatarsal alignment apparatus includes a cuneiform block for pinning a cuneiform bone and a distal metatarsal block for pinning a 1st metatarsal bone. The cuneiform block is threadably engaged with a shaft for moving the cuneiform block longitudinally with respect to the distal metatarsal block. The distal metatarsal block is adjustable within a distal frame to facilitate moving transversely and rotating the 1st metatarsal bone with respect to the cuneiform bone. The distal metatarsal block may be fixated by way of a lock screw to fixate the orientation of the 1st metatarsal bone with respect to the cuneiform bone during preparing the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint for arthrodesis.

Abstract: A metatarsal alignment apparatus and methods are provided for orienting and maintaining a 1st metatarsal bone in a natural anatomical position during surgical procedures for treating a hallux valgus deformity by way of arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint. The metatarsal alignment apparatus includes a cuneiform block for pinning a cuneiform bone and a distal metatarsal block for pinning a 1st metatarsal bone. The cuneiform block is threadably engaged with a shaft for moving the cuneiform block longitudinally with respect to the distal metatarsal block. The distal metatarsal block is adjustable within a distal frame to facilitate moving transversely and rotating the 1st metatarsal bone with respect to the cuneiform bone. The distal metatarsal block may be fixated by way of a lock screw to fixate the orientation of the 1st metatarsal bone with respect to the cuneiform bone during preparing the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint for arthrodesis.

Abstract: A plate holder instrument includes a base and a clamp. The clamp is displaceable relative to the base in a longitudinal direction and forms a plate receiving recess with the base. The clamp is displaceable between a released position to allow a bone plate to be loaded into and removed from the plate receiving recess, and a clamped position to lock a plate in the plate receiving recess. An actuator is displaceable relative to the base in a first direction to move the clamp to the released position and a second direction to move the clamp to the clamped position. The plate holder instrument can be combined with one or more surgical instruments, bone plates, screws, tools, taps, depth gauges, screw drivers and/or other accessories as a kit.

Abstract: An occipital plate system comprising: (a) a plate having one or more apertures for receiving bone fasteners adapted for securing the plate to the skull; (b) two rails extending outwardly from opposing sides of the plate; and (c) two rod receptacles, each comprising a body portion and a receiver portion, the body portion defining a passageway through which one of the rails slides, the receiver portion defining a cavity to receive a rod and threads above the cavity for receiving a set screw such that at least a portion of each of a rail, the rod and the set screw are contained within the rod receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: An occipital plate system comprising: (a) a plate having one or more apertures for receiving bone fasteners adapted for securing the plate to the skull; (b) two rails extending outwardly from opposing sides of the plate; and (c) two rod receptacles, each comprising a body portion and a receiver portion, the body portion defining a passageway through which one of the rails slides, the receiver portion defining a cavity to receive a rod and threads above the cavity for receiving a set screw such that at least a portion of each of a rail, the rod and the set screw are contained within the rod receptacle.