Patent ID: 7835778

Claim:
A system for use in navigating an implantation of a human spinal implant, comprising: a first pedicle screw member and a second elongated rod member of the construct adapted to selectively interact with each other after implantation and said first pedicle screw member operable to be fixed into a boney structure; a third pedicle screw member positionable relative to said first pedicle screw member and said second elongated rod member in an anatomical portion; a first localization element selectively and removably fixed to said first pedicle screw member having a depressible member to operate an internal mechanism to engage and disengage from said first pedicle screw member; a second localization element selectively and removably fixed to said second elongated rod member; a detector operable to detect said first localization element and said second localization element when said first localization element and said second localization element is selectively fixed to at least one of said first pedicle screw member or said second elongated rod member; and a processor configured to: assist in navigation of said second elongated rod member relative to said first pedicle screw member; receive position information for all of said first pedicle screw member, said second elongated rod member, and said third pedicle screw member from said detector; determine a relative position between all of said first pedicle screw member, said second elongated rod member, and said third pedicle screw member; assist in navigation of said third pedicle screw member relative to at least one of said first pedicle screw member or said second elongated rod member including generating icons for display on a display device without patient image data displayed on the display device; and simultaneously track said first localization element while selectively fixed to said first pedicle screw member and said second localization element while selectively fixed to said second elongated rod member.