Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a software-based privacy indicator for a camera and microphone that focuses not purely on hardware status (e.g., on or off), but on whether potentially private data is flowing to the system or an application. If based purely on hardware status, the indicator for an electronic device may be shown in scenarios where no data actually flows to the system or applications. The privacy indicator will be enabled if any camera or microphone data is relayed to the operating system or an application that is executed via the operating system. When the device uses the microphone and camera to capture environmental metadata about the surroundings of the device without providing any audio samples, images, or video frames to the system or an application, the privacy indicator will not be enabled.

Abstract: A method/system monitors and controls operational aspects of devices in a space, for example a living, office or other human-occupied space or storage space, in a building, such as turning lights on/off, raising/lowering blinds, maintaining or changing temperature, and other operational aspects. Sensors monitor energy usage of the devices in the space, and a controller/engine compares the monitored energy usage with reference energy usage to validate whether the devices are performing as expected. A temperate set-versus-anomaly detection technique may use temperature set point adjustments by a user (during a timeframe) to determine whether an anomaly exists that requires changes in the central plant of the building.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a prosthetic, an anchor having an outer surface forming a threaded structure, and a retainer securing the anchor to the prosthetic, the retainer limiting the relative movement between the anchor and the prosthetic to rotation of the anchor relative to the prosthetic. A method of repairing the first metatarsophalangealjoint includes cutting away a portion of the tissue of the proximal phalanx to form a cavity, driving an anchor of the implantable device into the cavity to anchor the implantable device to the proximal phalanx, and while the anchor is being driven into the cavity, aligning a prosthetic of the implantable device to the phalanx such that the alignment of the prosthetic is maintained.

Abstract: A method and tool for treating heel pain of a patient. The method includes determining a medical procedure to be performed on the patient based on the number of etiologies, the time span, and the severity of the patient's heel pain. The medical procedure performed may include collecting and processing a sample of the patient's blood to retrieve growth factors therefrom, excising degenerative tissue of the patient's plantar fascia, injecting the patient's growth factors into the patient's plantar fascia, and applying an electrical acoustic shockwave treatment to the patient's plantar fascia. The tool includes a trocar and a rasp configured to be received in the trocar. The rasp includes a file defined at a distal end and configured to extend through an opening of the trocar.

Abstract: A marked cannula is disclosed that provides for first and second indicia for marking positions along the inner surface of the cannula. The first and second indicia are distinctive with respect to each other and are easily detected or visible using an endoscope. The first and second indicia are preferably provided at positions that are representative of the general population in terms of location of the plantar fascia. The indicia provide a quick visual reference for the positioning of a surgical instrument within the bore of the cannula.

Abstract: New surgical instrumentation and a new surgical procedure is used for decompression for Morton's neuroma. The patient is prepared for surgery. An incision is made in the dorsal aspect of the foot, another incision is made between the digits of the foot, and then another incision is made on the bottom of the foot. A metatarsal spreader or retractor of the present invention can be inserted through the dorsal incision to spread the metatarsals. A slotted cannula and trocar assembly of the present invention is inserted into the interdigital portal and through the proximal portal. The trocar is removed and an endoscope is inserted into the cannula through the dorsal portal. A lumbrical hook of the present invention is inserted into the proximal portal of the cannula and used to hook the lumbrical tendon. A hook blade is used to sever the intermetatarsal ligament. Once release of the intermetatarsal ligament has been achieved, the instrumentation is removed and a bandage is placed about the foot.

Abstract: A new surgical technique, the Barrett-Day endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure, is used to relieve the symptoms of heel spur syndrome. The positioning of the plantar fascia ligament is determined, and the patient is prepared for surgery. A small, vertical incision is made in the medial side of the foot, and the adipose tissue is spread. A fascial elevator is inserted into the first incision to separate the plantar fascia from the surrounding tissue, creating a channel. A slotted canula and trocar is inserted into the channel, and a second incision is made on the lateral side of the foot, allowing the canula and trocar to substantially pierce the foot. The trocar is removed, and an endoscope is inserted into the canula through the medial portal. A cutting instrument is inserted into the lateral portal of the canula, and is used to release the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Once the plantar fascia has been released from the heel bone, the instruments are removed, and a bandage is placed around heel.