Abstract: A method for acquiring an X-ray image of anatomical features and surgical effectors in a surgical space of a patient includes detecting a particular pose of a particular C-arm used to acquire the X-ray of the surgical space. Characterization parameters of the particular C-arm in the particular pose are determined and incorporated into equations implemented in imaging software that is operable to generate an image of the anatomical features and surgical effectors in the surgical space. When the live X-ray of the surgical space is acquired, the imaging software generates a live image of the anatomical features and surgical effectors as a function of the characterization parameters to account for potential deviations due to the pose of the C-arm. In another feature, a potential error in the imaging process can be visually or automatically detected.

Abstract: A computer-assisted imaging and localization system assists the physician in positioning surgical effecters, such as implants, tools and instruments, within a surgical site in a patient's body. An image-guided intramedullary nail arrangement includes an intramedullary nail connected to a U-shaped drill guide. The body of the guide defines a plurality of thru-holes that are aligned with a plurality of openings in the nail, with the thru-holes acting as guides for conventional fasteners for engagement within the nail openings. The drill guide includes a tracking element fixed to the body of the guide that allows the position of the drill guide to be determined by a tracking system. The position of the intramedullary nail, and the plurality of openings, is determined by software based on the fixed geometry between the tracking element and the nail fastened to the drill guide.

Abstract: A surgical effecter, such as a tool, implant or instrument, or a tracking element mounted to the surgical effecter, includes an elongated shaft with a marker affixed thereon that is detectable by cameras or detectors of a localizer or tracking system configured to track the position and orientation of the effecter during a surgical procedure. The marker is wrapped around the circumference of the shaft and presents a top edge and a bottom edge that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a visible spiral edge extending from the top edge to the bottom edge.

Abstract: A computer-assisted imaging and localization system assists the physician in positioning surgical effecters, such as implants, tools and instruments, within a surgical site in a patient's body. The system displays overlapping images—one image of the surgical site with the patient's anatomy and another image showing the surgical effecter(s). The overlapping image of the surgical effecter(s) is moved over the static image of the anatomy as the implant/instrument is moved. The movement of the surgical effecter(s) is determined in a three-dimensional coordinate system at a home base location in the patient's anatomy, which home base can be moved during the procedure without interrupting the displays of the overlapping images.

Abstract: A computer-assisted imaging and localization system assists the physician in positioning surgical effecters, such as implants, tools and instruments, within a surgical site in a patient's body. The system displays overlapping images—one image of the surgical site with the patient's anatomy and another image showing the surgical effecter(s). The overlapping image of the surgical effecter(s) is moved over the static image of the anatomy as the implant/instrument is moved. The movement of the surgical effecter(s) is determined in a three-dimensional coordinate system at a home base location in the patient's anatomy, which home base can be moved during the procedure without interrupting the displays of the overlapping images.