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: Intelligent surgical instruments in which data is provided to a machine learning apparatus for use in monitoring the operation of the instrument. The machine learning apparatus may receive data from the instrument to be monitored such as from a measurement system thereof or one or more navigation sensors monitoring the instrument. In addition, data sources including demographic data, surgeon data, and patient data may also be provided by the machine learning apparatus. Such data may be provided by a secure protocol. In turn, the machine learning apparatus may analyze, in real-time, the data provided to the machine learning apparatus to monitor the surgical instrument. As such, the machine learning apparatus may assist in determining any appropriate output or condition regarding the surgical instrument based on the data analyzed.

Abstract: An intermedullary nail for targeted arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint. The intramedullary nail may be advanced through a bore extending through the calcaneus, talus, and into the tibia. In an example, a distal end portion of the intramedullary nail is disposed proximal to the subtalar joint. It has been recognized that creation of a bore for introduction of the intramedullary nail does not significantly disrupt the articular surface area of the subtalar joint. Furthermore, locking fasteners used to secure the intramedullary nail may introduced laterally and/or anteriorly to facilitate benefits in relation to patient placement and manipulation during an operation. Furthermore, arthrodesis may be extended to adjacent anatomy through use of extension plates at least partially secured by locking fasteners also engaging the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to an apparatus and system of monitoring an instrument with a working tool engaged thereby. In one aspect, an embodiment including a working tool with a machine readable indicium indicative of a working tool attribute. The working tool may be receivable by an instrument such that a corresponding machine readable indicia reader receives an identifier of the working tool. Various attributes and conditions in relation to the instrument and working tool received thereby may be identified to facilitate the provisioning of a response to prompt various corrective actions. In this regard, a controller may provide an output in response to a received identifier of a working tool and an identified instrument operating condition.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to an apparatus and system of monitoring an instrument with a working tool engaged thereby. In one aspect, an embodiment including a working tool with a machine readable indicium indicative of a working tool attribute. The working tool may be receivable by an instrument such that a corresponding machine readable indicia reader receives an identifier of the working tool. Various attributes and conditions in relation to the instrument and working tool received thereby may be identified to facilitate the provisioning of a response to prompt various corrective actions. In this regard, a controller may provide an output in response to a received identifier of a working tool and an identified instrument operating condition.

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: 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: A surgical saw for use in cutting bone. The saw may include a cutting member that is rotated about a drive pulley, an idler pulley, and first and second guide members. The guide members are in contact with an outer perimeter surface of a bone to be cut. The guide members may be moveable in opposite directions relative to the outer perimeter surface. In turn, the cutting member may be engaged with the bone in response to the movement of the guide members. The guide members may move along the outer perimeter surface of the bone until the cutting member has been moved through an entire cross-section of a bone to separate the bone. The saw may be initially inserted in a bore created in the bone to dispose the idler pulley at an opposite side of the bone as the drive pulley when commencing the cutting operation.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A surgical imaging system for presenting one or more operational parameters to a user in an augmented reality display disposed in a user's field of vision. The one or more operational parameters may be derived from or include signals from one or more sensors of a smart surgical instrument. The augmented reality display may comprise a transparent or semitransparent display positioned between the user and the surgical field such that the user may look through the augmented reality display to view the surgical field. In this regard, a user may observe the one or more operational parameters without diverting attention from the surgical field.

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.