Abstract: Systems for variable angle insertion of surgical fasteners relative to an orthopedic plate with locking of the surgical fastener relative to the plate upon insertion. The systems may include a pivot member secured relative to either the orthopedic plate or the fastener. In either regard, the pivot member may provide locking engagement with the plate to lockingly engage the fastener relative to the plate.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: Navigation assistance systems and methods for use with a surgical instrument to assist in navigation of a surgical instrument during an operation. The system may include sensors that may observe the patient to generate positioning data regarding the relative position of the surgical instrument and the patient. The system may retrieve imaging data regarding the patient and correlate the imaging data to the positioning data. In turn, the position of the surgical instrument relative to the imaging data may be provided and used to generate navigation date (e.g., position, orientation, trajectory, or the like) regarding the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An implant driver for engaging an orthopedic implant for selective advancement and retraction of the implant. The implant driver includes a first jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a first direction of rotation. The first jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the first direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. The implant driver includes a second jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a second direction of rotation. The second jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the second direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. Absent rotation of the first and second jaw assemblies, the spherical jaws may not restrict relative axial movement between the implant and the implant driver to allow for advancement and/or retraction of the instrument relative to the implant.

Abstract: Measurement of a leading edge of an instrument passing from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density using a displacement sensor alone. In particular, a displacement signal, a velocity signal, and an acceleration signal measured from or derived from a displacement sensor are analyzed to determine when the leading edge of the instrument passes from the first material to the second material as the leading edge of the instrument is advanced relative to the material. For instance, the measurement may be used to output an occurrence signal that indicates to a user that the instrument has passed from the first medium to the second medium. Additionally, a length measurement of the path of the instrument when passing from the first medium to the second medium may be recorded, and/or the instrument may be controlled (e.g., the instrument may be stopped).

Abstract: Multi-directional drilling of a bone to create a perforation of bone cortex. The disclosure presents methods of using a drill having a measurement system to advance a drill bit through a bone with detection of penetration or eruption of the leading edge of the drill bit through the exterior of the cortex layer of the bone. In this regard, operation of the drill may be controlled to limit soft tissue damage adjacent to the distal side of the bone. The drill bit may be at least partially retracted through a first bore, repositioned, and one or more additional bores may be created, all while monitoring for penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit relative to the cortical layer. In turn, a perforated distal side of the cortical layer of the bone may be created that creates a desired weakness in the bone, which may be useful in various operations including when performing a corticotomy or the like.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: Use of measurement system and detection module with a burr instrument for surgical procedures. The measurement system may include sensors (e.g., displacement, acceleration, and/or force sensors) that may be utilized to detect potentially hazardous operation of the burr instrument. For example, when penetrating through the cortex of the bone the measurement system may be operated in a unicortical mode such that when the burr passes through the cortex of the bone, the instrument operating may be arrested to avoid damage to surrounding tissue. Moreover, the system may be utilized to detect a slip or sudden loss of contact of the burr instrument such that the instrument may be arrested to avoid damage to surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the burr instrument may have a predetermined ramp-up speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to use of a measurement system in conjunction with a powered instrument for determination of the placement of a tool portion relative to the anatomy of a patient utilizing the powered instrument. The measurement system may include a displacement sensor that indicates the relative displacement of the tool portion relative to the anatomy. The system may also include a sensor for monitoring a tool drive signal representative of a tool drive parameter that is characteristic of the tool portion acting on the anatomy. The tool drive signal may be analyzed relative to a given amount of axial displacement as measured by the displacement sensor to avoid false indications of placement based on noise and or other artifacts in the tool drive signal that may result from characteristics of the anatomy and/or operational behaviors of the surgeon utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: Unicortical path detection for a measurement system for monitoring a depth of penetration of a working portion of an instrument in a bone of a patient. The unicortical detection may compare an average cortex thickness in a bicortical path to an actual measured depth of penetration. If the actual depth of penetration exceeds the average thickness, a unicortical path may be detected. Upon detection of a unicortical path, an alert may be provided and/or the instrument may be arrested upon subsequent breaching of the cortex.

Abstract: Navigation assistance systems and methods for use with a surgical instrument to assist in navigation of a surgical instrument during an operation. The system may include sensors that may observe the patient to generate positioning data regarding the relative position of the surgical instrument and the patient. The system may retrieve imaging data regarding the patient and correlate the imaging data to the positioning data. In turn, the position of the surgical instrument relative to the imaging data may be provided and used to generate navigation date (e.g., position, orientation, trajectory, or the like) regarding the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Measurement of a leading edge of an instrument passing from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density using a displacement sensor alone. In particular, a displacement signal, a velocity signal, and an acceleration signal measured from or derived from a displacement sensor are analyzed to determine when the leading edge of the instrument passes from the first material to the second material as the leading edge of the instrument is advanced relative to the material. For instance, the measurement may be used to output an occurrence signal that indicates to a user that the instrument has passed from the first medium to the second medium. Additionally, a length measurement of the path of the instrument when passing from the first medium to the second medium may be recorded, and/or the instrument may be controlled (e.g., the instrument may be stopped).

Abstract: Methods and instruments for placement of orthopedic implants in bones of a patient. The placement may include selective placement of the implant relative to structure of the bone using a measurement system that may detect interfaces between layers of the bone. The orthopedic implants may be engaged by various embodiments of chucks. The chucks may include structure for engaging indexing features of a corresponding orthopedic implant to restrict movement of the implant relative to the chuck along a working axis. The chucks may allow for use of an instrument having a measurement system for accurate and repeatable placement of the implants using the instrument.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for placement of orthopedic implants in bones of a patient. The placement may include selective placement of the implant relative to structure of the bone using a measurement system that may detect interfaces between layers of the bone. The orthopedic implants may be engaged by various embodiments of chucks. The chucks may include structure for engaging indexing features of a corresponding orthopedic implant to restrict movement of the implant relative to the chuck along a working axis. The chucks may allow for use of an instrument having a measurement system for accurate and repeatable placement of the implants using the instrument.

Abstract: Drill bit guide assemblies related to surgical operations for guiding and stabilizing a drill bit. A guide member houses a fixed bore through which a drill bit may pass. The guide member may also house a bore selection member which houses a plurality of selectable bores. The selectable bores may have a variety of diameters such that a user may choose the selectable bore corresponding to the drill bit diameter being used and align that selectable bore with the fixed bore such that the drill bit may pass through the length of the assembly along the reference axis. The similar diameters of the selectable bore and the drill bit may cause the assembly to stabilize and guide the drill bit.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: Unicortical path detection for a measurement system for monitoring a depth of penetration of a working portion of an instrument in a bone of a patient. The unicortical detection may compare an average cortex thickness in a bicortical path to an actual measured depth of penetration. If the actual depth of penetration exceeds the average thickness, a unicortical path may be detected. Upon detection of a unicortical path, an alert may be provided and/or the instrument may be arrested upon subsequent breaching of the cortex.

Abstract: Use of measurement system and detection module with a burr instrument for surgical procedures. The measurement system may include sensors (e.g., displacement, acceleration, and/or force sensors) that may be utilized to detect potentially hazardous operation of the burr instrument. For example, when penetrating through the cortex of the bone the measurement system may be operated in a unicortical mode such that when the burr passes through the cortex of the bone, the instrument operating may be arrested to avoid damage to surrounding tissue. Moreover, the system may be utilized to detect a slip or sudden loss of contact of the burr instrument such that the instrument may be arrested to avoid damage to surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the burr instrument may have a predetermined ramp-up speed.