Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for referencing reference points of a fiducial implant. The fiducial implant and pointer are configured to removably and reproducibly mate to provide a known spatial relationship between the reference points and the pointer. A position finder is used to determine the position of the pointer in three-dimensional space to allow the position of each reference point in three dimensional space to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for simulating the position and orientation of fixation elements that form part of a fixation system. By simulating the position and orientation of the fixation elements, the shape of the load carrier used for connecting the fixation elements can be determined. Making this determination prior to implantation of the load carrier is particularly useful for minimally invasive procedures in which the entire operative field is not directly visible. The device includes a base plate with two arms having tracks and crossbars which are capable of displacement in the plane of the base plate and which can be fixed in any position using tightening screws. The crossbars include integrated ball joints into which fixation element simulators can be screwed together with the same inserters as used for the implanted fixation elements so that the height of the fixation element simulators can be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for referencing reference points of a fiducial implant. The fiducial implant and pointer are configured to removably and reproducibly mate to provide a known spatial relationship between the reference points and the pointer. A position finder is used to determine the position of the pointer in three-dimensional space to allow the position of each reference point in three dimensional space to be determined.