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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: An offset reference guide for use in determining an offset value for orthopedic fasteners to be used with surgical hardware. The reference guide may include a reference surface against which the surgical hardware may be disposed. In turn, an orthopedic fastener may be inserted through a fastener hole of the surgical hardware and accepted by a fastener relief of the guide. Upon fully seating the orthopedic fastener relative to the surgical hardware, the distal end of the orthopedic fastener may align with one of a set of offset indicia calibrated relative to a known length of the orthopedic fastener. In turn, an offset value for the surgical hardware may be determined that may, for example, be used to augment measurements of bore lengths taken for a bore into which an orthopedic fastener is to be disposed.

Abstract: An offset reference guide for use in determining an offset value for orthopedic fasteners to be used with surgical hardware. The reference guide may include a reference surface against which the surgical hardware may be disposed. In turn, an orthopedic fastener may be inserted through a fastener hole of the surgical hardware and accepted by a fastener relief of the guide. Upon fully seating the orthopedic fastener relative to the surgical hardware, the distal end of the orthopedic fastener may align with one of a set of offset indicia calibrated relative to a known length of the orthopedic fastener. In turn, an offset value for the surgical hardware may be determined that may, for example, be used to augment measurements of bore lengths taken for a bore into which an orthopedic fastener is to be disposed.

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: 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: 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.