A system for joining biological element includes a plate (1800) defining a first longitudinal side, a first portion including a first staple holding element, a second portion including a second staple holding element and at least one dowel hole. A second lateral width measured from the first longitudinal side is wider than a first lateral width of the first portion. At least one dowel (2002) extends from the at least one dowel hole configured for insertion into a corresponding dowel channel to contact both a first biological element and a second biological element.
