Abstract: A screw insertion instrument includes a housing, a knob, a drive shaft, and a screw alignment post. The housing includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the proximal portion includes a proximal body portion defining a channel extending longitudinally therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The knob is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and defines an aperture therethrough that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The drive shaft extends through the aperture of the knob and the proximal portion of the housing. The screw alignment post is coupled to the distal portion of the housing and is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: Described herein is a pedicle screw for use in the thoracolumbar spine where the height can be adjusted intra-operatively before or after installation member of the longitudinal member. The pedicle screws with adjustable height may be made with a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration. The height of the pedicle screw can be lengthened or shortened.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis device having a bone screw (12), which has a threaded shaft (24) and a ball head (26), and having a fork head (14), which has a groove (32) and two legs (34), the ball head (26) being pivotably supported in the fork head (14), and having a pressure piece (16), which is seated on the ball head (26), the pressure piece (16) being braced on the fork head (14) and having two lateral fins (48) extending in the axial direction (30) of the fork head (14) and away from the threaded shaft (24); it is proposed that the pressure piece (16) is supported in the fork head (14) with prestressing in the axial direction (30) and thus in the direction toward the ball head (26) in that at least one of the fins (48) is slit transversely to the axial direction (30) of the fork head (14), so that a slit (50) forms a spring tongue (52), and the pressure piece (16) is thereby resiliently embodied and is braced via the spring tongue (52) on the fork head (14), and that a protrusion (70) prot

Abstract: The present invention provides plate systems for distracting and fixating vertebral bodies of animal (preferably human) spines. In some embodiments, the system includes: a biocompatible plate with at least two holes, at least two biocompatible distraction screws for insertion through the holes, each screw having an expandable head, a bore and a threaded shank, and at least two biocompatible fixating screws with threaded shanks. Insertion of the fixating screws into the distraction screws causes the expandable heads to expand and lock to the biocompatible plate. Optionally, the plate and the expandable heads comprises mating teeth configured to lock the expandable heads to the plate upon expansion of the expandable heads. The present invention also relates to use of the plate system to distract and fixate vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.

Abstract: A spinal rod locking holder includes an outer body, a handle assembly at a proximal end of the outer body, a locking assembly within a distal portion of the outer body, and a sprocket assembly at the distal end of the outer body. The handle assembly includes a moveable handle operatively associated with the sprocket assembly to selectively engage and release an end of a spinal rod. The locking assembly including a bearing operatively associated with a pawl such that when the moveable handle is compressed the bearing extends the pawl into contact with an outer surface of the sprocket assembly. The sprocket assembly including sprocket sections configured to compress against the end of the spinal rod when the pawl engages the outer surface of the sprocket assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for inserting screws into a patient, such that when the device is removed the device does not stick to the screw. The device, being a push-off driver, may have a handle, an inner driver, and a threaded driver sleeve having a button mechanism and a plurality of spheres, and an inner sleeve. The method includes the steps of assembling a push-off driver attaching a bone screw to the push-off driver inserting the bone screw and detaching the bone screw from the driver by unthreading the threaded driver sleeve from the polyaxial screw which causes the spheres in the recess of the inner driver to back up against the start of the recess and causing the threaded driver sleeve to “push-off” the polyaxial screw from the inner driver.

Abstract: System, including methods and devices, for bone fixation with a pin and a collar. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a pin configured to be inserted into a bone, and a deformable collar to retain the pin in the bone. The collar may be configured to be operatively disposed on the pin such that the collar extends more than halfway and less than completely around the pin. The pin and the collar may have complementary surface features that discourage sliding of the collar along a long axis of the pin. In some embodiments, the collar may be configured to be operatively disposed on the pin at a plurality of discrete, alternative axial positions along the long axis of the pin. The pin may be cut to a desired length.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a bone fracture, the apparatus comprising: an anchoring tube comprising a hollow elongated shaft adapted for disposition in a hole formed in a bone and having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween, and a substantially planar plate mounted to the proximal end of the hollow elongated shaft and adapted for disposition against the outer surface of the bone; wherein the plate comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and further wherein the bottom surface of the plate is convex, such that when the anchoring tube is disposed in a hole formed in a bone and is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated shaft, the convex bottom surface of the plate maintains supporting contact with the outer surface of the bone.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for the treatment of fractures of long bones. The nail presents a body having a proximal area and a distal area and a longitudinal axis, and is adapted to be inserted in the medullary canal of said long bone. Furthermore, the nail presents at least two through holes formed at the proximal zone of said body. The nail includes a pair of fastening elements each having a first and a second end, in which each fastening element is adapted to be housed in a respective hole of the body of the nail at the respective first end.

Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.

Abstract: A bone fixation system having a plate with an axle and a blade or “beam” configured to engage with the axle and reside proximate to a subchondral fragment of bone in upon installation of the plate. The beam is operable to rotate about the axle on the plate and reposition the subchondral fragment of bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the surfaces including a posterior linear side and an anterior arcuate side. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped bone implant, particularly but not necessarily, for fixing bones of the foot is provided. The implant has bone screw bores that are each configured to hold a bone screw at a particular angle for receipt in a foot bone, eliminating the need to also use a plate. The implant can include an opening that extends through the implant body from one tapered side thereof to the other tapered side thereof. This opening allows the introduction and retention of bone graft material to promote bone fusion. One or both tapered sides of the body may also have teeth, serrations or the like. The implant body may include a hole or the like in the distal aspect thereof. This allows for the insertion of a metallic component (e.g. titanium or tantalum) to allow for the visibility of the extent of the implant body in radiography, x-ray, or the like.

Abstract: A fixing means (1) for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures comprises a sleeve (2) and at least one pin (9) which is provided in said sleeve and a front end portion (10) of which can be driven out and retracted through a side opening (8) in the sleeve such that said end portion can be brought to engage bone material in one of the bone fragments and retracted out of the bone material. For facilitating said driving and retraction, the pin (9) comprises a fixing member (9a) with said front end portion (10) and a driving and retraction member (9b) which is rotatably connected to the fixing member.

Abstract: Implant for stabilization of pelvic ring fractures, comprising a nail for intraosseous implantation, a fixing agent and at least one locking element for relative fixation of the pelvic bone to the nail. The nail is designed so that the nail intraosseous be passed through a pre-drilled by a sacrum through channel or in the sacrum predrilled through channel is intraosseous insertable. Wherein the pin has at least at its first end of the nail transverse implementation for receiving the locking member, said locking member having an anchoring portion by means of which it can be anchored in a pelvic bone, and a locking portion connected to the transverse conducting of the nail so corresponds to the locking element with the nail is stable angle lockable. Wherein the nail is fixed by means of fixing means at the second end of the nail, in a first pelvic bone and/or the sacrum, whereby the nail is secured by means of the locking element relative to a second pelvis against rotation and displacements fixed.

Abstract: A bone screw for pelvic bone fixation, the bone screw comprising an elongate body having a first end which is threaded for engaging at least one bone in the pelvic region, a second end comprising a screw head, and at least one opening across the length of the elongate body for adjustably receiving a fastening means to limit movement of the bone screw away from the engaged bone in use, wherein the at least one opening is shaped such that the position of the fastening means relative to the elongate body of the bone screw can be adjusted. A system for bone fixation in the pelvic region includes the bone screw and the fastening means.

Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor includes an anchor member having first and second ends and a tubular section between the ends, a longitudinal axis extending from the first to second end, an outer surface, and a bone engagement structure for engaging a bone on at least a portion of the outer surface; and a longitudinal core member having a first portion and a second portion configured to be received in the tubular section and to connected to the anchor member, with the first portion configured to be spaced apart from the anchor member and movable with respect to it. The core member is made at least partially of a nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) based shape memory alloy such that its shape after transitioning from a martensitic to austenitic phase is configured to result in a press-fit connection between the second portion and the anchor member with the second portion in the austenitic phase.

Abstract: A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating user-controlled management of webpage elements for dynamic customization of relevant information. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, in real-time, a request for performing one or more tasks relating to dynamic customization of webpage elements relating to a webpage package. The request may be received at a first computing device over a network. The method may further include performing, in real-time, the one or more tasks.

Abstract: In general, devices, systems, and methods for driving an anchor into bone are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical tool is provided that includes a driver tool with a handle and an elongate shaft. A resistance element is disposed within the handle. An inner portion of an anchor is retained on a distal end of the elongate shaft, and a guidewire extends between the resistance element and an outer portion of the anchor that is in bone. As force is applied distally to the handle, the guidewire pushes the anchor into the bone before overcoming force of the resistance element and thereby allowing the inner portion of the anchor to be driven into the outer portion of the anchor.

Abstract: A system is provided for inserting and securing, through a suprapatellar region of a leg, a nail into a medullary canal of a bone. The system can include a flexible sleeve configured to be partially inserted in the leg. The flexible sleeve can define a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart from the leading end along a first axis. The flexible sleeve can define a first cannulation that extends along the first axis between the leading and trailing ends. The first cannulation can be sized to receive therethrough at least the intramedullary nail. The system can further include a retaining member configured support at least a portion of the flexible sleeve. The retaining member can be configured to position the flexible sleeve through the suprapatellar region of the leg such that the flexible sleeve leading end is aligned with the proximal end of the bone. The intramedullary nail can be insertable through the flexible sleeve and into the medullary canal.

Abstract: A vessel dissector for harvesting a target vessel has a tubular member carrying a blunt transparent tip with a terminus for blunt dissection of tissue and a base affixed to the tubular member. An active ring set has first and second ring segments mounted to distal ends of respective manipulator bars in the tubular member. The ring segments juxtapose to define a closed loop with an inner diameter larger than the outside diameter of the tip base. The ring segments are movable between a retracted position nested at the base and respective extended positions distally forward of the terminus. At least one of the ring segments is energizable to cut and cauterize a cylindrical pedicle including the target vessel. The ring segments independently extend longitudinally to provide a variable gap between the ring segments to capture, cut, and cauterize side branches to the target vessel between the ring segments.

Abstract: A new method for the ablation of undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of the undesirable tissue through the application of electrical pulses causing irreversible electroporation of the cells throughout the entire area of the undesirable tissue. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The amount of tissue ablation achievable through the use of irreversible electroporation without inducing thermal damage is considerable.

Abstract: Surgical generator systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary generator system can include one or more auxiliary transformer stages to boost the amount of power applied to low-impedance tissue, or to adjust the output voltage and current delivered to a surgical instrument. The auxiliary transformer stage(s) can be disposed in the generator, in the surgical instrument, and/or in an intermediate component. Exemplary generator systems can also include an accessory box disposed inline between a generator and a surgical instrument to provide expanded functionality to the system. The accessory box can have a ground plane that is isolated from the ground planes of the mains supply, the generator, and/or the surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate patient leakage current.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided herein of marking a patient's eye for reference during a toric lens implantation procedure. The method includes providing an electrocautery device having a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a tip defined at the terminus of the shaft. The handle is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis with the shaft being bent or curved such that the tip is spaced from, and not aligned with, the longitudinal axis. The method further includes using the electrocautery device to cauterize one or more points on the patient's eye, the points being located as reference marks for placement of the toric lens. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a device is used having a bent or curved shaft which may better accommodate the curvature of a patient's eye while marking.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, energizable member, first activation switch, cable assembly, and second activation switch. The housing is operatively associated with the energizable member. The first activation switch is coupled to the energizable member and is selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition. The cable assembly is coupled to the housing at a first end and includes a plug at a second, opposite end, the plug housing a second activation switch selectively transitionable from an open condition to a closed condition. The plug is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy, wherein transitioning of the first activation switch from the open condition to the closed condition transitions the second activation switch from the open condition to the closed condition such that the second activation switch communicates with the source of electrosurgical energy to initiate the supply of energy to the energizable member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optically recognizing tissue parameters during an energy-based tissue-sealing procedure involve grasping tissue with a tissue-sealing instrument, illuminating the grasped tissue or tissue adjacent to the grasped tissue with light, analyzing the light that is transmitted, scattered, or reflected by the tissue, and recognizing the tissue based on the result of analyzing the light. The wavelength of the light may be selected so that a vessel is sufficiently recognizable in tissue containing the vessel. A marker may also be introduced into fluid flowing in the vessel to increase the contrast between the vessel and tissue containing the vessel. Analyzing the light includes analyzing the spatial and spectral distribution of light. Analyzing the light may also include forming the light into an image of the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an elongate shaft extending distally from a body and an end effector at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw that is selectively pivotable toward and away from a second jaw to capture tissue and a firing beam. The firing beam is configured to advance relative to the first and second jaws to sever captured tissue and retract relative to the first and second jaws after the captured tissue has been severed. The apparatus further includes a debris removal element in communication with the firing beam. The debris removal element is configured to engage at least a portion of the firing beam at least during retraction of the firing beam relative to the first and second jaws to thereby remove at least some debris from the firing beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modeling and for providing a graphical representation of tissue heating and electric field distributions for medical treatment devices that apply electrical treatment energy through one or a plurality of electrodes. In embodiments, methods comprise: providing one or more parameters of a treatment protocol for delivering one or more electrical pulses to tissue through a plurality of electrodes; modeling electric and heat distribution in the tissue based on the parameters; and displaying a graphical representation of the modeled electric and heat distribution. In another embodiment, a treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated target ablation zone based on a combination of one or more parameters for an irreversible electroporation protocol and one or more tissue-specific conductivity parameters.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a probe having a handle assembly and an electrode assembly extending distally therefrom. An optical member is disposed on the probe and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of the probe. The probe is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters, the second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from the first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing.

Abstract: An endometrial tissue treatment device includes an elongate positioning member and an energy applicator coupled to a distal end of the positioning member, the energy applicator including a tissue contacting member and an expandable-collapsible support structure underlying the tissue contacting member, the expandable-collapsible support structure comprising a substantially non-compliant elongate balloon disposed within the tissue contacting member that, when inflated, has a length oriented substantially transverse to the positioning member, including a first closed end that positions a corresponding first corner portion of the tissue contacting member in a first cornu of a uterine cavity, and a second closed end that positions a corresponding second corner portion of the tissue contacting member in a second cornu of a uterine cavity, with a lengthwise portion of the balloon positioning a distal facing portion of the tissue contacting member for contacting a fundal wall of a uterus.

Abstract: A removable apparatus is provided for temporary implantation in a pulmonary vein for ablating atrial tissue surrounding the antrum of the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation in a subject. The apparatus comprises an electrically-insulated expandable support member and a retrieval mechanism. The support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion extending between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes at least one annularly disposed wing member, and has a free end defined by oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. The at least one wing member includes at least one ablation element located at the free end thereof. The retrieval mechanism is for removing the support member and for energizing the at least one ablation element. The retrieval mechanism includes at least one electrically-conductive wire, which is separately connected to the at least one wing member.

Abstract: A medical marker device comprising a) a plurality of markers which are disposed on the marker device such that each marker of the plurality of markers displays mirror symmetry with respect to a mirror plane of symmetry which is common to all markers of the plurality of markers, b) an attaching unit for attaching the marker device to a marker holder, wherein the attaching unit is disposed on the mirror plane of symmetry.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods for controlling a tool to remove material from a workpiece. Workpieces such as bones are often non-homogenous and have varying density distributions throughout their volumes. In some embodiments, the systems and methods control the feed rate of the tool, the tool path of the tool, and the rotational speed of the tool based on the density distribution in order to provide a desired outcome for a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with an elongated portion, a movable portion which has one or more joints, and a driving portion which is disposed at a proximal end of the elongated portion and which drives the movable portion; a medical device having a channel that can accommodate at least a portion of the elongated portion and the movable portion; a manipulation input portion that generates an operation instruction for moving the manipulator between a treatment state in which the movable portion protrudes from a distal end of the channel and an accommodated state in which the movable portion is accommodated in the channel in accordance with a manipulation instruction input; and a notifying portion that notifies a situation in which the manipulator is shifting from the treatment state to the accommodated state.

Abstract: A catheter dressing system includes a catheter that may be inserted into a patient when the patient is undergoing a surgical procedure. A dressing is provided and the dressing is selectively adhered to the patient. The dressing covers the catheter thereby inhibiting the catheter from being contaminated and the dressing gas a tear-away portion. A surgical drape is positioned on the patient when the patient is undergoing the surgical procedure. The surgical drape adhesively engages the tear-away portion of the dressing. The tear away portion is removed from the dressing when the surgical drape is removed from the patient such that the dressing remains on the catheter.

Abstract: A medical kit (100) includes a package (105) having a housing (501) and a lid (103). One or more medical implements (1001,1101,1201,1301) for treating a skin tear wound are arranged in a stacked configuration within the package. An instructional labeling system (106) is coupled to the lid. The instructional labeling system can include an identification (107) of a skin tear type the one or more medical implements are designed to treat, a description (108) of the skin tear type, printed instructions (110) defining one or more steps (111,112,113,114) instructing when to use each medical implement within the package to treat the skin tear wound, and one or more removable adhesive labels (115,116).

Abstract: A method and system for organizing surgical instruments and supplies in an operating room in preparation for surgery using a system having two tray devices. Each tray includes at least one flat work surface disposed in a first reference plane; an edge feature surrounding the at least one flat work surface, the edge surface standing proud at a predetermined first positive offset distance from the first reference plane, the edge feature comprising at least a work-surface-side wall intersecting the at least one flat work surface at substantially about 90-degrees at a top surface coupled to the work-surface-side wall, wherein the top surface disposes generally parallel to the first reference plane and is further defining the first positive offset distance measured from the reference plane; and at least one recessed compartment comprising a bottom surface disposed parallel to the first reference plane and offset therefrom at a first negative offset distance.

Abstract: A device retention assembly includes a delivery system and a device retention mechanism retaining the delivery system. The device retention mechanism includes a tray, a base coupled to the tray, and retaining flanges pivotally coupled to the base. The delivery system is enclosed within an opening defined by the base and retaining flanges. A key locks the device retention mechanism in the closed position retaining the delivery system. The key must be removed to unlock the device retention mechanism to release the delivery system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described which guide a surgeon in performing a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure. The apparatus and methods utilize three dimensional presentations of the target surgical site incorporating one or more virtual surgical guides which help attain proper alignment and orientation of the post surgical outcome.

Abstract: A medical device identification system includes a medical device including an identifier and a sensor device configured to read the identifier of the medical device. The system further includes an output device configured to provide feedback related to the medical device and a monitoring system communicably coupled to the sensor device and the output device. The monitoring system is configured to identify the medical device based on the identifier of the medical device read by the sensor device and transmit feedback to the output device specific to the medical device.

Abstract: A method produces a dental drill that has a shank and a work section. The shank contains a centrally arranged, continuous first channel. The work section contains one or more continuous, spiral-shaped further channels. The first channel and the further channels open into a common chamber connecting the shank and the work section. The shank is sintered with the work section in order to form a one-piece, sintered component that encloses the chamber connecting the shank and the work section.

Abstract: When compressed air does not act, a seal member is in contact with an outer periphery of an inner ring. When the compressed air acts, a contact area between the seal member and the outer periphery of the inner ring is reduced, as compared to when the compressed air does not act. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an air turbine bearing unit capable of promptly stopping rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held interproximal dental tool for detaching unwanted materials from a patient's teeth and to methods of manufacturing such tools. The interproximal dental tool includes a compact, ergonomically designed housing which is gripped by a dental practitioner during use and a blade extending from and structurally supported by the housing which includes serrations for cutting or abrasive materials for sanding unwanted material.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for a cartridge for dispensing dental material. The plunger assembly has a receptacle, an activator, and a passageway extending through the receptacle along a longitudinal axis. The passageway forms a chamber for storing at least a component of the dental material and has an outlet for the chamber. The activator has a piston for extruding the component from the chamber and a plug for the outlet. The activator is movable to unplug the outlet and to subsequently extrude the component in a single stroke. The plunger assembly helps for reliably emptying the chamber and helps facilitating dispensation of dental materials.

Abstract: A method for 3-D cephalometric analysis acquires reconstructed volume image data from a computed tomographic scan of a patient's head. The acquired volume image data simultaneously displays from at least a first 2-D view and a second 2-D view. For an anatomical feature of the head, an operator instruction positions a reference mark corresponding to the feature on either the first or the second displayed 2-D view and the reference mark displays on each of the at least first and second displayed 2-D views. In at least the first and second displayed 2-D views, one or more connecting lines display between two or more of the positioned reference marks. One or more cephalometric parameters are derived according to the positioned reference marks, the derived parameters are displayed.