US Patent 9295488 Joint fusion

Techniques for joint fusion are described, including obtaining a visual image of a joint and two or more bones connected by the joint, examining the visual image to confirm a pathology and identify a location in which to insert an implant, creating an incision in a tissue adjacent to the joint, preparing the location for insertion of the implant, inserting the implant into the joint using one or more tools, the one or more tools including a drill guide. Some embodiments include packing an implanted or implantable screw with a material using a packing tube.