Abstract: An electrode tip for use in performing electro surgical operative procedures to concentrate electrical energy communicated to the patient tissue is disclosed. The electrode tip includes a main body that can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator. The main body includes a working surface defining a flash edge. The working surface communicates the electrical energy to patient tissue during an operative procedure. The flash edge concentrates the electrical energy as it is communicated to the patient tissue. The concentration of the electrical energy from the flash edge reduces excessive tissue damage surrounding an incision site and improves the efficiency of the electrode tip.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first, open position to a second, closed position. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes a bore. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the bore to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members from the first to second position for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezoelectric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of a threaded elongated member. The threaded elongated member is threadably coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is rotatably coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient. An implant such as an internal jackscrew is implanted at the anatomical and has first and second attachment points that secure to spaced-apart locations on the anatomical feature, an internal rotor coupled to the jackscrew, and is configured to drive motion of the jackscrew to manipulate the anatomical feature. The system further includes an external rotor that is magnetically coupled to the internal rotor such that rotation of the external rotor at an exterior location to the patient's body affects a corresponding internal rotation of the internal rotor to manipulate the anatomical feature.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for a fractured elongated bone, comprising a cannulated rod having proximal and distal ends; an outside tubular sleeve for coaxially hosting and guiding the rod; and shape memory elements hosted in corresponding seats of the rod. Each shape memory element can be retractably housed in its respective seat in a first configuration, allowing insertion of the nail into the bone, and can project from a sleeve opening in another configuration. Proximal and distal pairs of the elements are provided at the proximal and distal rod ends. The proximal element pair lie on a same plane and are kept in their seats by a proximal cover. The distal element pair lie on an offset plane to the plane of the proximal element pair and are kept in their seats by a distal cover. This removes the need for bone screws to stabilize the nail inside the medullary canal.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.

Abstract: An improved means for fixation of a fractured coronoid process of the proximal ulna. A substantially rigid plate is secured to the anterior aspect of the proximal ulna relative to a fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna. The plate contains a hook feature at the proximal aspect and is positioned so that it extends over the proximal/anterior aspect of the coronoid process relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a plurality of openings through which suture and/or screws can pass. The openings may contain a recess at a side of the plate opposite the ulna. At least one hole is formed in the ulna. At least one anchor may be secured to a flexible device, positioned at a side of the plate opposite the ulna, secured to another anchor on the posterior aspect of the ulna and the flexible device tensioned. At least one screw may be inserted through the plate and into the coronoid process or a bone fragment securing it to the plate.

Abstract: An implant (4) is provided with attachment and hole-insert parts (2, 3) with surfaces which have different degrees of finishing and/or degrees of roughness and/or porosities (2f, 2g). Arranged on the surfaces there is at least one dozen (A-B) in which the degree of finishing and/or the degree of roughness and/or the porosity is continuously changed. The changes in porosity in said zones can mirror continuous or discontinuous changes in the bone in question, for example the jaw bone or tooth bone. The continuously changed zones can be obtained with the aid of electrolyte (15) and, connected to the latter, an anode and cathode arrangement (13, 14). When establishing the porosity, it is possible to mask different portions of the respective implant and to control the temperature of the implant.

Abstract: An adapter for a surgical reamer driver having one of a crossbar and a crossbridge reamer driver. The adapter includes a base having an interface for connecting with one of the crossbar and crossbridge reamer drivers. The adapter further includes at least one recess on the opposite end of the base opening in an axial direction. The recess is configured to receive a reamer of a style unlike the given style interface. A pair of hooks or tabs resiliently hold the reamer in place in the recesses.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing bone and cartilage transplants for the reconstruction of the acetabulum, femoral head, or both with tissue engineered osteochondral constructs or and osteochondral allograft transplant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly.

Abstract: A clamping body for a pedicle screw assembly has an axial passage extending axially between first and second end portions thereof. The spine rod-receiving channel extends through the first end portion in a traverse direction with respect to the axial passage thereby forming upstanding leg portions of the clamping body and closed end portion of the spine rod-receiving channel. A material thickness reducing relief is provided in an outer surface of each one of the upstanding leg portions at a location between the closed end portion of the spine rod receiving channel and the first end portion of the clamping body whereby the a partial segment of the upstanding leg portions are frangibly detachable. A bridge member is frangibly connected between the upstanding leg portions at the first end portion of the clamping body. The bridge member spans across the spine rod-receiving channel.

Abstract: A system includes a sleeve including first and second arms each including an outer ramp and an inward projection, each of the arms defining a cavity. First and second extensions are configured for disposal in the cavities. A fastener includes walls defining an implant cavity and a distal portion. The walls each include first and second end surfaces and a locking cavity. The extensions are configured for translation relative to the sleeve between a first orientation such that the extensions engage the respective ramps to fix the projections with a respective locking cavity in a configuration to capture the fastener with the sleeve and a second orientation such that the extensions move out of engagement with the respective ramps so that the projections are movable out of engagement with the locking cavities to release the fastener from the sleeve. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to minimally-invasive devices, methods and systems for treating vertebral diseases and injuries using multiple therapeutic procedures through small access portals of sufficient dimension that minimize trauma to the patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for an intraosseous transiliac-transsacral surgical approach through the iliac ala and sacral ala that can be used for a variety of surgical procedures within the lumbar spine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A hand-held laser device that can simultaneously provide multiple types of low level laser therapy treatments to multiple areas of a patient's body simultaneously. The device enables laser light of different pulse repetition rate, different beam shapes and spot sizes to be applied to a patient's body. The device includes multiple laser sources. In the preferred embodiment, two semiconductor diode laser sources simultaneously provide two separate laser beams from separate probes, one laser beam producing laser light at a first pulse repetition rate and the other producing laser light at a second pulse repetition rate.

Abstract: An instrument for use in minimally invasive hip surgery, the instrument being for use in forming and using a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty procedure to implant an acetabular implant. In particular, the instrument is useful for both alignment and insertion/impaction of an acetabular shell. Furthermore, the instrument is suitable for assuring the shell is impacted with the proper abduction and version in left or right hips.

Abstract: A method of preparing a graft material for a bone surface at a surgical site includes providing a first syringe having continuous side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the syringe has a first end and a second end wherein the inner surface defines a chamber. An adapter is removably attached to the distal end of the syringe wherein the adapter has a throughbore in fluid communication with the chamber. A first selected amount of solid bone graft material is disposed within the chamber. A plunger is inserted into the chamber to define a selected volume between a distal end of the plunger and the second end of the first syringe. A second syringe containing a selected amount of a liquid biomaterial is attached to the adapter wherein the second syringe is in fluid communication with the adapter and the first syringe such that the liquid biomaterial is transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe.

Abstract: A delivery device for semi-solid implantable material such as synthetic bone graft substitutes. The device comprises a handle (1), a cylinder (2) extending from the handle and having an outlet at its distal end. A piston (23) is operated by a trigger (5) and is slidable within the cylinder to displace the material from the cylinder. The cylinder has a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length such that the outlet has substantially the same inner diameter as the rest of the cylinder. When the trigger is fully depressed, a ratchet mechanism (14, 32) is disengaged allowing the piston to be pulled back to a starting position.

Abstract: Embodiments of instrumentation and methods are provided for the insertion of intervertebral disc prosthesis. The instrumentation of the embodiments comprises a guide comprising at least two lateral faces, at least one upper plate, at least one lower plate, at least one retainer, a cage defining an insertion axis for the prosthesis, and an angle adjuster adapted to adjust an angle formed by the insertion axis and an antero-posterior sagittal axis; and at least one separator sized to maintain a gap between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra. Methods for implanting a prosthesis using the disclosed instrumentation comprise implanting a pin in the median sagittal axis of a vertebrae; measuring the dimensions of the intervertebral space; choosing the prosthesis; choosing the guide; adjusting the angle adjuster; positioning the guide adjacent to the intervertebral space; inserting the prosthesis into the guide; and inserting the prosthesis into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a fixation procedure. For example, a system is provided that includes a bone plate having a first plurality of apertures and a targeting arm having a second plurality of apertures. Each of the second plurality of apertures of the targeting arm are configured for targeting of a bone fastener to one of first plurality of apertures. An imaginary targeting line extends from a first aperture of the first plurality of apertures to a first aperture of the second plurality of apertures. The system includes a mounting member, which includes a first end secured to the bone plate and a second end secured to the targeting arm. The second end of the mounting member is offset from the first end such that the second end is spaced from the imaginary targeting line.

Abstract: A phacoemulsifcation needle has a central aspiration passageway extending through a needle body. A hollow shell is attached to and covers at least a portion of the needle body, creating an annular space between the inner surface of the shell and the outer surface of the needle body. At least one port is formed through the needle body communicating between the aspiration passageway and the annular space to create a flow path. The openings to the needle body and the shell may be coplanar or may lie in different planes.

Abstract: A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The delivery device includes inner and outer tubular members slidable to each other between at least a first hold position and a second release position, a handle and a deployment mechanism adapted for an operator to use a first hand for operating the delivery device and moving the tubular members between the first and second positions. The delivery device further includes a protective member adapted for insulating at least a portion of the outer tubular member from the tendency of the operator to use his or her second hand to grab the outer tubular member during operations or from other external forces.

Abstract: A process for surgical operations on a rectal/haemorrhoidal prolapse comprises stages of realising, in the anal canal, at least a first circular stitching at a first portion of a haemorrhoidal prolapse; realising at least a second circular stitching in a second portion of the haemorrhoidal prolapse, and nearing the first circular stitching and the second circular stitching in order to create a constriction of the haemorrhoidal prolapse. The invention also relates to a device, preferably for actuating the process, which comprises a hollow divaricator (17) having a prevalent development direction along a longitudinal axis (Z) and being insertable in a patient's anal orifice. The device further exhibits a window (29) defining an operational area and creating a communication between a cavity (17b) internal of the divaricator (17) and a portion of haemorrhoidal prolapse. The device further comprises means for opening and closing (31) the window (29).

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices and methods for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair. A method includes introducing a first segment having a delivery assembly into a first soft tissue, and removing the delivery assembly to expose an opening of a hollow body of the first segment. The method also includes introducing a second segment having a second delivery assembly and a second body into a second soft tissue, guiding the second delivery assembly through the opening, and advancing the second body into the hollow body, thereby joining the first soft tissue and the second soft tissue.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for maximizing efficiency of tissue removal from body passageways is provided. The system comprises a device for opening an occluded lesion, e.g., a rotational atherectomy device or angioplasty device, and a guide wire having an introducer sheath. The guide wire introducer sheath may comprise a hypo tube having columnar strength greater than that of the guide wire alone to assist the guide wire in crossing occluded lesions, wherein the sheath and guide wire are axially moveable relative to each other. The guide wire sheath may further comprise increased flexibility at its distal end to increase flexibility and/or a soft distal tip to help with steerability through the vasculature. The sheath may allow for a smaller outer diameter guide wire which, in turn, may allow for a smaller outer diameter on the occlusion-opening device, e.g., atherectomy or angioplasty device, which is slid over the pre-positioned guide wire.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a horn coupled to a transducer configured to convert alternating current into mechanical oscillation of the horn. The phacoemulsification handpiece further includes a phacoemulsification needle attached to the horn. The phacoemulsification needle vibrates by oscillation of the horn, to provide for mechanical cutting of tissue and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle. The phacoemulsification system further includes a control system with associated drive circuitry in connection with the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece. The control system is configured to adjust an operating frequency of the transducer to increase or decrease a mechanical cutting performance and a cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.

Abstract: A method for powering electrically powered surgical instruments includes removably inserting a cordless battery assembly into a handle thereof, the instrument handles having a battery chamber and different types. The battery assembly comprises an energy cell powering a signal generation assembly of the instruments. A battery/handle interface has connectors mating with connectors within the chamber. A voltage-control circuit is operable to communicate with and power the signal generation assembly, detect which handle type is connected to the battery assembly, and provide different outputs in response to a detection of the handle types. As the battery assembly is inserted, connectors of the battery/handle interface are coupled with connectors within the battery chamber to communicatively couple the voltage-control circuit to the signal generation assembly and provide power thereto. The connected handle is detected and dependent upon the detected handle type a different one of the outputs are provided.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes. A tool is provided to aspirate excess fluid and tissue from the treatment area.

Abstract: A disposable lancing device including: a lancet housed in a housing and urged by a spring member such that a puncture member provided at a distal end of the lancet is adapted to extend out from the housing so as to carry out a puncturing operation; a locking ring disposed within the housing such that the lancet is allowed to displace in an extension direction through the locking ring; a locking protrusion provided to the lancet and adapted to be engaged by the locking ring so as to hold the lancet in a puncture-ready position located deep in the housing with the spring member being compressed; and an operating member adapted to carry out the puncturing operation by rotating the locking ring so as to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking ring and displace the lancet in the extension direction by means of the spring member.

Abstract: A medical device (40) including a collagenous biomaterial (10) for causing embolus and treating an aneurysm. The collagenous biomaterial (10) includes a small intestine submucosa (12) that is configured into various components (16) for causing a vascular occlusion or a packing aneurysm lumen.

Abstract: A tourniquet includes a first and a second elements and a strap having one end winding around a human body and threading through the first element. The first element has a latch slot and a latch element. The second element has a coupling element at one end latchable with the latch element and the other end fastened to the strap. The first element has an upper and a lower cases and a brake unit inside. The upper and lower cases have respectively an upper and a lower openings threaded through by the strap. The brake unit has a detent edge at one end and an axle at the other end extended to form an actuating member movable with the brake unit about the axle, and an elastic element provides a force for the detent edge to butt the strap from the upper opening to the lower opening.

Abstract: Self-tensioning occlusion devices and systems provide percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, for example an expansible member, is disposed on a distal end of the body. The tensioning member, such as a spring or coil, is slidably disposed over the body and proximal to the expansion member. Generally, during application, the tensioning member will be positionable against subcutaneous tissue so as to lodge and anchor the expansible member against the puncture site. In particular, the expansible member allows for sealing of the puncture site while the tensioning member applies and maintains tension to the expansible occluder so that it is seated against the puncture site at a vascular surface.

Abstract: A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material, and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together.

Abstract: A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the suture anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture-engaging structure formed as a loop, which loop defines an attachment location for a working suture associated with the inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor.

Abstract: A system for implanting an anchor into bone, the system comprising a curved cannulated guide for percautaneous insertion, having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible drill insertable through the curved guide from the proximal end to the distal end, the flexible drill having a shaft having a flexible portion; and a flexible inserter for inserting a suture anchor into a bore at the anatomical site formed by the flexible drill, the flexible inserter having a shaft having a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portions of both the flexible drill and flexible inserter include a series of discrete, interlocking segments.

Abstract: A chiropractic table system for providing effective treatment of sacroiliac joint pain in a patient. The chiropractic table system generally includes a table with an upper opening, a first support member extending through the upper opening and a second support member extending through the upper opening. The support members engage the hip portion of a patient lying upon the table. The support members are separated thereby separating the sacroiliac joints, then the support members are counter-pivoted with respect to one another thereby torquing the hip portion of the patient and then the support members are quickly lowered a distance to set the hip portion of the patient as desired.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a facet joint. The method includes exposing the posterior aspects of a spinal motion segment in a first incision, preparing an access path through a separate postero-lateral percutaneous incision using a drilling instrument that traverses through at least a portion of the lamina and an inferior facet articulation surface, and terminates within the facet joint gap, and injecting augmentation filler into the facet joint gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant that can be located between adjacent spinous processes of two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column in order to separate adjacent vertebrae from each other, where the implant displays four projections and can be located in a stabilizing position in which two projections can be located on opposite sides of the vertebral column and where, on each side, one of the two projections can be located along the vertebral column, laterally to an upper and a lower vertebra.

Abstract: An implantable interlaminar-interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise a U-shaped implantable device having an inferior section, a superior section, a midsection extending therebetween, and pair of lateral walls for engaging a spinous process of a vertebra, each of the lateral walls including an aperture with a countersink for receiving a bone fastener. The system may also include a bone fastener comprising a threaded bolt and a threaded nut for securing the implantable device to the spinous processes. Insertion tools may be provided for aligning the threaded bolt and nut through the apertures of the implantable device.

Abstract: The invention provides a connecting rod for bone anchors such as pedicle screws. The rod is constructed to include a main shaft portion that is not bioresorbable and a tip portion that is bioresorbable. The tip facilitates percutaneous insertion into a patient's body. After placement of the rod, the bioresorbable tip is resorbed preventing post-operative complications such as impingement of adjacent spinal facet joints.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system provides three points of fixation for a single vertebral level. A fastener may fixate a facet joint between adjacent vertebrae and couple a stabilization structural member to a vertebra. Connectors may couple the structural members to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Use of a spinal stabilization system may improve the stability of a weakened or damaged portion of a spine. When used in conjunction with an implant or other device, the spinal stabilization system may immobilize vertebrae and allow for fusion of the implant or other device with vertebrae.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a load sharing mechanism in between a screw head and a bone fixator component; attaching the screw head to the bone fixator component such that the load sharing mechanism provides tensile resistance to the screw head; securing the bone fixator component in a bone; securing a locking pin in the screw head; engaging the locking pin with the bone fixator component; inserting a longitudinal member in the screw head; and inserting a blocker in the screw head. The method may further comprise positioning a longitudinal member in a slot configured in the screw head.

Abstract: A system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of an elbow joint of a patient includes at least one bone plate, each bone plate having a plurality of holes and generally configured to fit an anatomical surface of the fractured bone. The at least one plate is adapted to be customized to the shape of a patient's bone. The system also includes a plurality of fasteners including at least one locking fastener for attaching the bone plate to the bone. At least one of the holes is a threaded hole. Guides for plate benders, drills, and/or K-wires can be pre-assembled to the threaded holes, and the locking fastener can lock into any of the threaded holes after the guides are removed.

Abstract: A method of performing a decompressive craniectomy includes removing a bone flap from a cranium, attaching one end of a movable plate to one end of the bone flap, and attaching another end of the movable plate to the cranium. The movable plate is configured to allow the bone flap to move to accommodate swelling of intracranial contents.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head, a retaining ring and a nut. The external capture structure surface includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion; the smooth portion for slidably mating with the retaining ring and the threaded portion for rotatable attachment to the nut within a cavity of the head. The nut fixes the retaining ring to the shank and also provides a tool engagement formation for driving the shank body into bone.

Abstract: A full-body non-invasive laser scanner for mapping or measuring a patient's body and for treating a patient's body with laser energy comprises a patient support, one or more laser devices, a laser guidance system, a control center, and optionally feedback sensors. The patient support aids in maintaining body alignment during treatment, and the laser devices are moveably positioned on a laser guidance system such that they can be driven about a stationary patient. To map and contour a patient's body, the patient aligns himself on the patient support. With the control center, an operator chooses whether to map, contour, or map and contour the patient's body either manually or according to preprogrammed treatment protocols. The carriage assembly translates and the laser devices apply laser energy to the surfaces of the patient's body according to the chosen protocol. Feedback sensors provide data for mapping the contours of the patient's body.