Medical system using implantable sensor in bone for determining position coordinates

Abstract

A method of measuring the size of an area ( 22 ) within a body, including bringing at least one position sensor ( 28 ) to each of a plurality of points in the area, determining position coordinates of the plurality of points, using the sensor ( 28 ) and calculating distances between the plurality of points.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
   
   
       25 . A medical system comprising: 
 a device for implantation in a patient's body comprising a position sensor adapted for implantation at a point in a bone within a patient's body, the position sensor transmitting or receiving a signal for determination of position coordinates of the position sensor at the point in the bone;    a position determining system for determining position coordinates of the position sensor at the point in the bone based on the signal transmitted or received by the position sensor;    an image of the position sensor at the point in the bone;    a display for displaying the image; and    calculating circuitry for calibrating the position determining system with respect to the image using the position coordinates of the position sensor.    
   
   
       26 . The medical system according to  claim 25 , further comprising a probe with a position sensor mounted thereon for passing over the point in the bone within the patient's body.  
   
   
       27 . The medical system according to  claim 26 , wherein the image is an X-ray image.  
   
   
       28 . The medical system according to  claim 26 , wherein the image is a CT image.  
   
   
       29 . The medical system according to  claim 26 , wherein the image is an MRI image.  
   
   
       30 . The medical system according to  claim 25 , wherein the position sensor comprises at least one coil.  
   
   
       30 . The medical system according to  claim 25 , further comprising a connection mechanism for fixing the position sensor to the point in bone within the patient's body.