Abstract: A kit for plantar plate repair may include implants and instruments specific to the procedure, such as an implant assembly, a needle assembly, a distractor, a needle driver, and k-wires. Methods of assembling the items of the kit and methods of plantar plate repair are disclosed.

Abstract: Maintaining synchronization of encryption processes at devices during transmission of encrypted data over a communication link is provided. Cipher link maintenance characters are sent from a source device to a sink device. A local cipher link maintenance character generated at the sink device for decrypting the encrypted data can be adjusted according to the cipher link maintenance character. After authentication, cipher link maintenance characters corresponding to units (e.g., frames) of the encrypted data are sent along with the units of the encrypted data. When a transmission error occurs during transmission of the encrypted data, cipher link maintenance characters can be used to correct the error in a local cipher link maintenance character generated at the sink device. Hence, even if the transmission error occurs in the communication link, the sink device can resolve the transmission error and maintain the synchronization of encryption processes at the source and sink devices.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for making femoral resections for seating a femoral implant on a distal femur, the instrument configured for orientation relative to an intramedullary rod. The instrument includes a medial distal cut guide having a cut guide portion, the cut guide portion having a cut slot therein for use in resecting a medial distal condyle of the femur. A medial distal cut paddle supports the medial distal cut guide. The medial distal cut paddle is configured to mount on the intramedullary rod to orient the medial distal cut slot substantially along an anterior-medial slope of the medial distal condyle when the medial distal cut paddle is mounted on the intramedullary rod to thereby define an anterior-medial approach for making a medial distal resection of the medial distal condyle.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical device includes a tibial paddle shaped to be positioned in the patient's knee joint and a handle extending from the tibial paddle. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array positioned therein and configured to generate sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The orthopedic surgical device also includes a control circuit configured to control a display located on the handle to provide a visual indication of the medial and lateral balance of the joint force. In some embodiments, various tibial trialing components may be coupled to the tibial paddle along with an associated adaptor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves.

Abstract: A wedge osteotomy method inserts a first wire into a first bone of the foot, distal from tissue to be removed. A second wire is inserted into a second bone, so the tissue to be removed is distal from the second wire. A cut guide is pivoted about the first wire, until a first axis of the cut guide is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal. The cut guide has a slot perpendicular to the first axis for guiding a cutter to cut bone, while the first axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal. The cut guide is then pivoted about the second wire, until the first axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the talus, and bone is cut through the slot, to form a second planar cut into or through bone material.

Abstract: In the use of devices and methods for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure, a clamp is provided with arms, an optional external spring, an optional internal spring and a torque knob for applying constant and measurable pressure to the article. Embodiments of the clamp include a spring rod engaged with the torque knob for assisting in applying and retaining desired pressure. Spike elements and a bushing insert are secured to the ends of the arms for retaining the article in place during use. The elements are advantageously assembled and disassembled to facilitate thorough and quick cleaning.

Abstract: A measurement system able to perform measurement by a simpler manner when performing measurement a plurality of times for a plurality of targets. The measurement system utilizes the light receiving device to measure targets fastened to the machine tool. The robot is moved so that the difference between a target on a light receiving surface of the light receiving device and an image acquired by the light receiving device in the state where the machine tool is stopped at each stop position and the robot is placed in the measurement position and posture becomes within a predetermined error. A plurality of stop positions and a plurality of end point positions and postures after the movement are used as the basis to simultaneously find the error of the mechanical parameters of the robot and the relative relationship between the robot coordinate system ?b and the machine tool coordinate system ?m.

Abstract: A cleaning module for cleaning bone stock used in surgical procedures. The cleaning module includes a shell. The shell defines a void space to receive the bone stock. A cutter is rotating mounted in the void space. A shaving tube, also able to rotate, is coaxially disposed about the cutter. The cutter and shaving tube have complementary edges. A drive assembly rotates the cutter and shaving tube at different speeds, at different times or in different directions relative to the cutter. As a result of the rotation of the cutter and shaving tube soft tissue adhering to the bone stock is cut away from the bone stock by the relative rotating of the cutting edges of the cutter and shaving tube.

Abstract: A polyaxial instrument suitable for preparing the intervertebral disc space of a patient through an anterior, posterior, transforaminal or anterolateral approach. The trial can be partially inserted into a disc space and then its angle adjusted to ease its further insertion into the disc space. The trial work tip can be interchangeable with the working tip of another type of instrument such as a curette, a rasp, a spreader, a shaver, a cobb elevator, a penfield, a woodson, a chisel and an osteotome.

Abstract: A tool is configured to cut a tissue body. The tool includes a first section configured to be coupled to a transducer assembly, and a second section coupled to the first section. The first section at least partially includes a first material. The second section at least partially includes a second material that is different from the first material and denser than the first material. The second includes a cutting member that is configured to vibrate at a predetermined frequency so as to cut a tissue body an operative portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for accessing and operating on an intervertebral disc at the lumbosacral junction via a trans-iliac approach. The instruments and methods described employ nerve monitoring to direct passage of the instruments through a safe zone between the L5 nerve root lying posterior to the trans-iliac path and the iliac vein (and iliac artery) lying anterior to the trans-iliac path.

Abstract: An orthopedic system according to one embodiment of the disclosure comprises a first trial member capable of forming a broach cavity in a first bone of a patient. A second trial member is removeably coupleable to the first trial member in a fixed alignment with respect to the trial member. An alignment member is removeably coupleable in a fixed alignment with respect to the first trial member. The alignment member comprises indicia configured to provide for alignment of the alignment member with respect to at least one of the first bone and a second bone of the patient. The alignment of the second trial member with respect to the first trial member when coupled to the first trial member corresponds to the alignment of the alignment member with respect to the first trial member when coupled with the first trial member.

Abstract: An orthopedic reamer includes a drive train having a drive shaft, a reamer head connector driven by the drive shaft and a locking structure surrounding at least a portion of the drive shaft; and a handle assembly configured to detachably connect to the locking structure. The handle assembly includes a grip; a connecting structure connected to the grip that is configured to slide over the locking structure; a bridge connecting the grip to the connecting structure; a stop having a first interface feature connected to the bridge between the grip and the connecting structure; and a knob assembly at least partly surrounding the bridge having a second interface feature that is mateable to the first interface feature. The knob assembly is configured to prevent detachment of the handle assembly from the locking structure unless the second interface feature is mated with the first interface feature.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a procedure is disclosed. The procedure may include preparing one or more bones for a prosthetic implant. The method may include provide instructions to a user for using identified instruments to perform a procedure. Instructions and may be provided for settings of adjustable instruments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical apparatuses and procedures for reconstructing a ligament. There is provided a trephine (10) comprising an adaptor (11), an elongate reamer (12) coupled thereto, and a reamer support stem (13), wherein the reamer support stem is mounted concentrically within the reamer and adaptor, and wherein at least a portion of the reamer support stem is slidably moveable about a longitudinal axis of the trephine.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for calculating a trajectory corridor for a robot end effector. In some implementations, a seed path may be determined between first and second sites that is traversable by a reference point associated with an end effector of a robot. Then, a trajectory corridor may be calculated that encompasses and expands the seed path. In some implementations, a plurality of candidate paths may be determined through the trajectory corridor that are traversable by the reference point. In some implementations, a candidate path that satisfies a criterion may be selected.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve controlling the drive and measuring the work of a working tool such that a user can avoid injuries to surrounding structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.

Abstract: Prostheses that address stress shielding are disclosed. For instance, a knee prosthesis includes a monolithic femoral component having medial and lateral condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural tibia or a bearing member of a tibial component, an intercondylar notch between the condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural patella or a patellar component, and an anterior flange extending proximally from the medial and lateral condylar elements and the intercondylar notch. The femoral component defines a bone-facing surface and a bearing surface, the bearing surface including medial and lateral condylar articular surfaces defined by the medial and lateral condylar elements, respectively, and an intercondylar articular surface defined by the intercondylar notch. A slot extends through the femoral component from the bearing surface to the bone-facing surface, the slot starting at an edge of the femoral component and ending at a location within the anterior flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting positions of body tissues and an apparatus using the method. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a surgery information storage unit storing an examined first image associated with a target bone of surgery, a position measuring unit measuring position values of multiple points on a surface of the target bone of surgery before and after cutting, and a registration control unit for acquiring a second image regarding the remained bone after cutting by applying the shape of the bone changed according to the progression of bone cutting to the first image, and for performing position registration with respect to the second image by using the position values of multiple points on surface of the target bone of surgery after cutting, which is measured by the position measuring unit.

Abstract: A guide tool adapted for removal of damage cartilage and bone and adapted for guiding insert tools during repair of diseased cartilage at an articulating surface of a joint is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide base having a positioning body and a guide body protruding from the guide base. The guide body includes a height adjustment device and a guide channel with a length. The guide channel extends throughout the guide body and through the height adjustment device with one opening on a cartilage contact surface of the positioning body and one opening on the top of the height adjustment device. The guide body includes a height adjustment device being arranged to enable stepwise adjustment of the length.

Abstract: A percutaneous spinal cross link system for interconnecting a spinal fusion construct on one side of the longitudinal axis of the spine with a spinal fusion construct on the other side of the longitudinal axis may include a cross bar connected at each end by a respective connector to a respective spinal fusion rod of each of the spinal fusion constructs. The connector may include a rod receiving portion adapted to receive one of the spinal fusion rods and a cross bar receiving portion adapted receive the cross bar in an orientation generally perpendicular to the spinal fusion rod. A cannula defined by two spaced apart blades may be connected to the connector for defining a minimally invasive pathway through body tissue for introduction of the cross bar to the connector. Other tools for use with the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical preparation tool for preparing a sacroiliac joint for a surgical procedure comprising a trial tool assembly and a cutting tool configured to releasably and slidably couple with the trial tool assembly, wherein the trial tool assembly is configured to guide the cutting tool during distal-proximal translation such that as the cutting tool distally advances relative to an implant trial of the trial tool assembly, at least a portion of a cutting element of the cutting tool extends generally over and perpendicularly outward from a first top surface of a body of the implant trial.

Abstract: Instrumentation and assembly for arthroscopic elbow surgery which includes a humeral component. The humeral component is installed in a trough formed in the humeral condyle. The trough may be formed by using a plurality of drill pins and a plurality of corresponding cutters (and optionally a template). The two drill pins are passed through the template and drilled into the humerus, and cutters are advanced over the corresponding drill pins to form the trough. The humeral component may be employed in conjunction with an ulnar implant.

Abstract: Delivering ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site includes connecting a delivery device to a vacuum source, a fluid source, and a power signal source. The delivery device has a housing portion maintaining an ultrasound transducer and a tip portion having a sleeve and a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the ultrasound transducer and received in the sleeve to define a covered portion and an exposed portion. Ultrasonic energy is generated by sending a power signal from the power signal source to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasound transducer to the cannula, such that the exposed portion of the cannula delivers ultrasonic energy at a frequency that is pre-selected to debride musculoskeletal tissue upon percutaneous insertion of the tip portion.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures and one or more pressure sensors for determining and monitoring pressure on neural structures near the tissue dilation assembly or the tissue retraction assembly.

Abstract: Cutting instruments and related methods are disclosed herein in which the diameter of the retrograde cutting blade can be adjusted to any of a plurality of diameter settings, allowing the same instrument to be used to form holes of different diameters. The limit diameter can be preset such that, during the cutting operation, the user need not be concerned with selecting the appropriate diameter, but rather can simply deploy the cutting blade until the preset limit is reached. Cutting instruments are also disclosed in which the retrograde cutting blade is distinct from the forward drilling tip and protected within a cavity formed in the body of the instrument when not in use, as are instruments in which the user is given visual and/or tactile feedback to confirm desired positioning of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bone of a joint of a patient includes mounting a patient-specific reference guide on a bone of a joint of a patient. A connecting portion of the reference guide is coupled to a miniaturized numerically controlled instrument having a housing including a controller, a processor and a tool driver. The patient-specific reference guide has a three-dimensional inner surface preoperatively configured to mirror and mate with a corresponding surface of a bone of a joint of a patient in only one position. The patient-specific reference guide is configured to automatically register the numerically controlled instrument to the patient's bone portion intraoperatively. The cutting tool is guided by the controlled with signals from the processor along a patient-specific tool path determined during the preoperative plan for preparing a portion of the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for cutting or resurfacing an outer bone surface of a bone of a patient includes first and second guides. Each guide has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured as a negative surface of a portion of the outer bone surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated slots. The elongated slots of the second guide are offset relative to the elongated slots of the first guide and configured for guiding a tool to resurface the outer bone surface.

Abstract: An endplate for an intervertebral prosthesis includes a generally planar base plate, a first elevated region, or dome, within the base plate periphery, and a second elevated region, or dome, within the boundary of the first elevated region. The antero-posterior and side-to-side (medial-lateral) dimensions of the first elevated region are made to be unequal in order to provide resistance to torsional stresses, and the laterally opposite sidewalls of the first elevated region are defined by arcs that terminate in sagittal planes of the endplate, and are symmetrical with respect to a coronal plane of the endplate. A bone rasp and a groove cutter for use in implanting the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: A system for establishing an intramedullary path includes a body sized and configured to be received within a resected bone space. The body defines a first aperture that extends through the body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough. A first bone engaging structure extends from the body in a first direction and includes a first surface that is complementary to a surface topography of a first bone. When the first surface of the bone engaging structure engages the surface topography of the first bone to which the first surface is complementary, an axis defined by the first aperture is substantially collinear with a mechanical axis of the first bone.

Abstract: A system for harvesting bone graft material for use during bone fusion surgery. In one embodiment, a bone cutting tool has a blade fixed on a distal end of a shaft. The distal end of the shaft is pivoted on a cage set between two bones to be fused, and the blade is activated to cut into the bones and form a solid bone segment in each bone as the tool shaft turns. A paddle is arranged to be inserted between the bones, and to displace the cut bone segments so that a leading portion of each segment enters the bone opposite the bone from which the segment was cut, a central portion of the segment spans across the bones, and a trailing portion of the segment remains in the bone from which it was cut. The displaced segments act as strut grafts to fuse the bones to one another.

Abstract: Drivers and drive systems (e.g., off-axis drive systems, pneumatic motors, multi-gear drive systems, and/or the like), and kits comprising drivers with drive systems, such as those, for example, configured to move a drive shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.

Abstract: A combination of a guide sleeve for a surgical template, a drill, and a thread forming tool is disclosed. The guide sleeve has a guide surface for guiding the thread forming tool. The drill has at least one cutting edge for cutting a recess in bone. The thread forming tool has a thread forming section for forming at least one thread in bone, and a guide section for guidance by the guide surface of the guide sleeve, the thread forming section comprising an apical portion, and a coronal portion. A maximum diameter of the apical portion of the thread forming section is smaller than or equal to a maximum diameter of the cutting edge of the drill.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member having a plurality of sharp edges is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material is carried at the distal end of the elongated sleeve. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the sleeve at cutting member at high RPMs to cut bone and other hard tissue. An electrode is carried in a distal portion of ceramic cutting member for RF ablation of tissue when the sleeve and cutting member are is a stationary position. In methods of use, (i) the ceramic member can be engaged against bone and then rotated at high speed to cut bone tissue, and (ii) the ceramic member can be held in a stationary (non-rotating) position to engage tissue and RF energy can be delivered to the electrode to create a plasma that ablates tissue.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of performing an anterior approach hip replacement. The method may include: exposing a surgical site including the femoral neck and acetabulum using a plurality of retractors secured to the plurality of accessory arms; cutting the femoral neck to remove the femoral head; preparing the acetabulum for insertion of an acetabular cup; preparing the femur for insertion of a femoral implant by lifting the femur using a femur hook and the femur distractor; and closing the surgical site. In various alternative embodiments, the method may include using a lesser trochanteric retractor coming from a direct medial approach and a greater trochanteric retractor coming from a lateral, posterior, proximal approach.

Abstract: An occipital fixation assembly is provided. The occipital fixation assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for placement within a sinus cavity adjacent a rear portion of a skull of a patient. A threaded post extends from the first mounting plate. A coupling member includes an aperture configured to receive the threaded post therethrough. The coupling member includes an offset extension configured to support a surgical rod thereon. A fixation nut configured to threadably engage the threaded post of the first mounting plate is rotatable about the threaded post and translatable therealong. The fixation nut is rotatable with respect to the first mounting plate and the coupling member such that rotation of the fixation nut in a predetermined direction brings the first mounting plate and the coupling member toward one another and into secured engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve driving a rotating bit in an axial direction such that both rotation and linear movement are controlled and measurable. The instrument is useful for a surgeon to control and simultaneously measure the travel of the tool into the bone and prevent injury to surrounding structures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated transmission waveguide defining a longitudinal axis. The transmission waveguide has a distal end and a proximal end. The at least one strike surface is formed on the proximal end and is configured to receive vibratory energy.

Abstract: Surgical devices, kits and methods of using thereof are described. Generally, the surgical kit includes an osteotomy guide device and/or a bone spacer guide device. The surgical kit can be used in a surgical method for correcting a malalignment of the knee joint that involves performing a fibular osteotomy and/or a tibial osteotomy, and/or administering stem cells. Generally, the osteotomy guide device is configured to allow drilling to occur around the tibia and across a horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia so that a direction of each of the drill holes that are formed in the tibia is substantially parallel to or on the same horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia. The osteotomy guide device allows drilling to be conducted efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A surgical method for exposure of the sacroiliac joint using a posterior approach begins with a longitudinal incision over the posterior iliac crest, centered on the posterior iliac spine. Holes which will be used to repair the iliac osteotomy are made obliquely from the medial to lateral to cross the plane of exposure. A cut through the bone is made lateral to the drill holes and centered over the sacroiliac complex with the aid of fluoroscope or radiograph imaging. The medial part of the iliac crest is freed from the back of the sacrum and displaced medially for the sacroiliac joint complex to be inspected, debrided, or curettaged for fusion. The closure and subsequent healing are facilitated by the predrilled oblique holes. These are used to re-attach the medial iliac bone to the remaining lateral ilium.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a first body connected to at least one second body. The first body is configured for disposal of an implant support having an outer surface. The at least one second body includes a capture element configured to dispose an implant support having an outer surface with the at least one second body such that the outer surfaces are spaced apart and each of the implant supports are engageable with a first implant. A second member is connected with the first member and is engageable with a second implant. The members are relatively movable to dispose the second implant with the implant supports and to align the second implant with at least one of the first implants. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A microfracture device comprising a guide shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an internal passage between the proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a curved tip, a stabilizing portion disposed along an outer surface of the guide shaft, at least a portion of the stabilizing portion being wider than the guide shaft, and a flexible element movably positioned within the internal passage of the guide shaft, the flexible element having a distal tip configured for driving into bone.

Abstract: A patellar clamp and associated system and method for using the clamp are provided. A patellar clamp includes a pair of handles movably coupled together, a patella support portion connected to the pair of handles and configured to engage a first side of a patella, and a reamer guide configured to engage a second side of the patella. The patella support portion and the reamer guide each include a first pair of flanges configured to engage a first and second tendon associated with the patella. The reamer guide is configured to allow reaming and resurfacing the entire desired posterior articular surface of the patella in a single operation without readjusting the position of the reamer guide.

Abstract: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.