Patent ID: 6856828
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring position and movement of bone element using an image guided surgical system, comprising the steps of: providing a bone reference assembly comprising a toothed bone anchor member and a trackable member, the trackable member comprising a detectable element adapted to be located and tracked in three dimensional apace by the image guided surgical system, thereby defining position and movement of the trackable member; inserting a protective guide member through soft tissue covering the bone element using a proximal end while gradually separating the soft tissue so as not to cause significant damage thereto, until the proximal end is substantially adjacent the bone element, the protective guide member being sized to receive at least the toothed bone anchor member therein; using the protective guide member to guide the toothed bone anchor member into direct engagement with the bone element without damaging the soft tissue; engaging the toothed bone anchor member to the bone element such that the bone reference assembly is in a fixed position relative to the bone element; performing a registration of the bone element; and locating and tracking the bone element using the image guided surgical system.