Abstract: A system for deploying a fixation member into an aperture of a bone fastener includes a guide having a body that includes a proximal end and a distal end. The guide includes a guide member coupled to the body near the proximal end. The guide member is configured to guide placement of the fixation member to secure the bone fastener. The system includes an engagement member coupled to the body near the distal end. The engagement member is configured to engage the bone fastener such that the guide member is rotatable, relative to the bone fastener, about an engagement axis to the guide member at any of the plurality of relative orientations about the engagement axis.

Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to methods, implants, including bone plates, and instruments for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion and an implant together.

Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to a compression fastener and methods of use, including using an inserter to apply a pre-stress to the compression fastener, for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion together.

Abstract: Examples of the invention relate to methods, implants, including bone plates, and instruments for compressing first and second bone portions or a bone portion and an implant together.

Abstract: A solution is disclosed for deploying a fixation member into an aperture of a bone fastener. The solution may include a guide having a body that includes a proximal end and a distal end. The guide may also include a guide member coupled to the body near the proximal end. The guide member may be configured to guide placement of the fixation member to secure the bone fastener. The solution may include an engagement member coupled to the body near the distal end. The engagement member can be configured to engage the bone fastener such that the guide member is rotatable, relative to the bone fastener, about an engagement axis to the guide member at any of the plurality of relative orientations about the engagement axis.

Abstract: A bone coupling device is configured for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece which includes a first component having an inner surface bounding a first cavity and a first stem portion for insertion into the first bone piece. A second component includes a second stem portion for insertion into the second bone piece and an axially extending connector extending from the second stem portion and configured to be inserted into the first cavity. The connector has an outer surface which is complementarily shaped relative to an inner surface to inhibit rotation relative to each other when the connector is received in the cavity to engage the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A bone screw, and method of using the same, are described. The bone screw includes a head, a distal threaded portion, and an expandable intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is expandable in response to a force being applied from an unstressed or relaxed state to a stressed or unrelaxed state. A removable core pin may be inserted into the intermediate portion to stretch or stress and/or stabilize the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device includes a first retractor, a second retractor and a band extending between the first retractor and the second retractor. The first and second retractors are configured to grasp edges of an incision while the band is configured to form an anatomy space and wrap around a patient's body part, while. At least one of the first retractor and the second retractor includes a first arcuate portion, a first connection portion and a first cam portion positioned between the first arcuate portion and the first connection portion. The first cam portion includes a cam surface for contacting the skin of a patient outside of an incision. The length of the band extending between the first retractor and the second retractor is adjustable.

Abstract: A bone coupling device is configured for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece which includes a first component having an inner surface bounding a first cavity and a first stem portion for insertion into the first bone piece. A second component includes a second stem portion for insertion into the second bone piece and an axially extending connector extending from the second stem portion and configured to be inserted into the first cavity. The connector has an outer surface which is complementarily shaped relative to an inner surface to inhibit rotation relative to each other when the connector is received in the cavity to engage the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A stimulus waveform is processed using a model of the human auditory system to provide a plurality of output waveforms. Each output waveform corresponds to excitation at different locations along the basilar membrane in the cochlea, and matches the narrow frequency bandwidth, short time response, and wave propagation characteristics of the human cochlea. Primary feature detection is achieved by comparing response waveforms and their spatial and time derivatives to predetermined stereotypes. Secondary feature detection is achieved by comparing spatial and temporal patterns of primary features with patterns stereotypical of human speech elements.