Apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

A self-centering coupling device is provided for coupling a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The self-centering coupling device includes a sensor support having a stem and sensor support arms coupled to the stem to support the sensors of the sensor array. The self-centering coupling device is received within a recess formed in the surgical instrument.

1 . A method for attaching a sensor support carrying a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the method comprising the steps of 
 (a) positioning an end of the sensor support into a recess formed in the surgical instrument, and    (b) inserting a pin into a passageway of the sensor support to urge outer walls of the sensor support into contact with a number of side walls of the recess.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the inserting step includes urging the pin into a tapered end of the passageway.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the inserting step includes threading a screw tip of the pin into a threaded bore of the surgical instrument.  
   
   
       4 . A method of using a computer guided orthopaedic surgical instrument, the method comprising the steps of 
 (a) removing a first sensor support from a first sterile package,    (b) securing the first sensor support to the surgical instrument with a sterile fastener,    (c) performing a first computer guided orthopaedic surgical procedure,    (d) removing the fastener and the first sensor support from the surgical instrument,    (e) disposing of the first sensor support,    (f) sterilizing the fastener for use in a second computer guided surgical procedure,    (g) removing a second sensor support from a second sterile package    (h) securing the second sensor support to the surgical instrument with the fastener, and    (i) performing a second computer guided orthopaedic surgical procedure.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the disposing step comprises disposing of the first sensor support without removing a number of sensors therefrom.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein: 
 the disposing step comprises removing a number of sensors from the sensor support prior to disposal of the sensor support, and    the step of securing the second sensor support to the surgical instrument comprises securing the number of sensors to the second sensor support.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of sterilizing the number of sensors prior to being secured to the second sensor support.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein: 
 the step of securing the first sensor support to the surgical instrument comprises inserting a pin into a tapered passageway of the first sensor support.