Universal attachment mechanism for attaching a surgical tracking device to an instrument

Abstract

An attachment mechanism for attaching a component to an instrument. The attachment mechanism includes a first hoop assembly having a first hoop receiving a first portion of the instrument and a second hoop assembly having a second hoop receiving a second portion of the instrument. Either one of the first hoop assembly or the second hoop assembly may be configured to retain the component thereto. The first and second hoop assemblies are configured to be secured to each other such that the first and second hoops are in tension with, and secured about, the instrument.

1 . A method for securing a component to an instrument where the instrument has a body portion with a first end and a second end, comprising: 
 connecting the component to one of first and second hoops;    engaging one of said first and second hoops to the instrument along the body portion from the first end;    engaging the other of said first and second hoops to the instrument along the body portion from the second end;    securing said first and second hoops to each other such that said first and second hoops are drawn to each other and secured about the body portion.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further compromising fastening said first and second hoops to each other with a screw.