A system is suggested comprising an optical sensing means and a processing unit. The optical sensing means may include an optical guide with a distal end, wherein the optical guide may be configured to be arranged in a device to be inserted into tissue in a region of interest. The processing unit may be configured to receive information of a region of interest including different tissue types as well as of a path through the tissues, to determine a sequence of tissue types along the path, to determine a tissue type at the distal end of the optical guide based on information received from the optical sensing means, to compare the determined tissue type with the tissue types on the path, to determine possible positions of the distal end of the optical guide on the path based on the comparison of tissue types, and to generate a signal indicative for the possible positions.

A stylet control system for selectively advancing and retracting a stylet includes a stylet having a first end and a second end, the second end being threaded, a screwdriver defining a bore for receiving a portion of the stylet and having a screw-engaging end for engaging a screw, the stylet being rotationally fixed relative to the screwdriver. The system includes a control device having a passage for receiving the screwdriver and having an inner portion defining a lumen for receiving the portion of the stylet, the inner portion being threaded for engaging the threaded second end of the stylet, when the screwdriver is rotated in the first rotation direction and the control device is prevented from rotating, the screwdriver advances the screw in the first axial direction and the stylet retracts in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.

A gap gauge is disclosed for facilitating an arthroplasty procedure on a first bone and a second bone of a patient. The gap gauge may include a first plate positionable in contact with the first bone, a second plate positionable in contact with the second bone. The second plate may be displaced from the first plate by a displacement. The gap gauge may further include a balance indicator configured to indicate a balance status between the first plate and the second plate and a pin guide. The pin guide is configured to couple to one of the first plate and second plate and includes a pin hole that is configured to guide a pin for insertion into the second bone. The pin can be used to couple a cutting guide to the second bone to resect the second bone to adjust the balance status.

Disclosed are bone screw drill targeting guides and methods for using such targeting guides that are useful in surgical procedures for correcting hallux valgus deformity.

A system includes a first spacer sized and configured to be received within a resected bone space of a first bone and a second spacer sized and configured to be coupled to a second bone. The first spacer and the second spacer each include a body extending between a bone contacting surface and a coupling surface. At least one shim is positioned between the first and second spacers. The shim includes a body extending between a first coupling surface and a second coupling surface. The first spacer, the second spacer, and the at least one shim position the first and second bones in a predetermined alignment. An adjustable guide including a guide adapter and a guide body is configured to couple to the first spacer and is adjustable on a first axis.

A method of fusing a first bone and a second bone. An abrading and harvesting device is provided that includes a needle portion having a sharpened tip. The needle portion has a central bore extending therethrough. The needle portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The sharpened tip is attached to the distal end of the needle portion. A probe is provided having an unsharpened tip portion. The probe is extended between the first bone and the second bone. The needle portion is extended over the probe by passing the proximal end of the probe through the central bore. The first bone and the second bone are abraded with the sharpened tip to cause bleeding bone to be exposed on the first bone and the second bone. A device is placed along a path formed by the needle portion between the first bone and the second bone.

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to bone fixation devices, including intramedullary fixation or fusion devices. The various devices disclosed include an intermedullary rod or device having a proximal and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions having articulated ends that are coupled to form a joint. The joint may be actuated to reduce a fracture and realign the bone after insertion of the device into the bone.

The present disclosure generally pertains to methods and kits for preparing an ACL repair surgical implant, the method including drilling femoral and tibial bone plugs of a tendon graft to create medial to lateral holes, and passing a braided suture around the tendinous portion of the tibial end, through soft tissue, and out the tibial end. Next, an anterior to posterior femoral hole is drilled, and a flat-braided suture is passed through the femoral medial to lateral hole and, using a bent needle, passed through junctions of the femoral bone plug and the tendinous portion and out through junctions of the tibial bone plug and the tendinous portion on both sides of the graft. Ends of the flat-braided suture are crisscrossed through the medial to lateral tibial hole. A bone-to-bone fixation suture assembly is passed through the anterior to posterior femoral hole.

Guides, instruments, devices, systems and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing the multiple bones of a joint are disclosed. The guide system includes a cut guide and an alignment guide for engagement with the cut guide. The guide system also includes a cleaning system with a guide and a cutting instrument. Methods of using the guide system and cleaning system are also disclosed.

A minimally invasive method of correcting a bunion includes performing an osteotomy to divide the metatarsal into first and second portions, creating a pocket in the first portion implanting a nail in the pocket, securing a suture to the joint capsule, tensioning the suture to align the great toe with the metatarsal, attaching the suture to the nail, and fastening the nail to the second portion. The nail includes an anchor portion for anchoring in the first portion, a head for attachment to a second portion, a passage for attachment of the suture, a first aperture for a fastener to attach the head with the first portion, and a second aperture for a fastener to attach the head with the second portion.