INSTALLATION TOOL FOR INSTALLING A TRACKING MEMBER ON A BONE
An installation tool for installing a tracking member on a substrate is provided that includes a body with at least one guide hole located at a first end of the body for guiding a fixation element into the substrate. A holding mechanism is provided for holding the body to the fixation element. A coupler located at an opposing end of the body is provided for coupling the tracking member to the body. A removable handle has an opening for receiving at least portion of the coupler inside the removable handle. A system is also provide that includes the installation tool and a tracking member.
1 . An installation tool for installing a tracking member on a substrate, comprising:
a body;
at least one guide hole located at a first end of the body for guiding a fixation element into the substrate;
a holding mechanism for holding the body to the fixation element;
a coupler located at an opposing end of the body for coupling the tracking member to the body; and
a removable handle having an opening for receiving at least portion of the coupler inside the removable handle.
2 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the substrate is bone and further comprising the fixation elements.
3 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the tracking member is adapted to be attached to the coupler upon removal of the removable handle.
4 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a first portion defining an angle relative to a second portion wherein the second portion is part of the holding mechanism and located at first end of the body.
5 . The tool of claim 4 wherein the angle is from 0 to 90 degrees.
6 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the holding mechanism comprises a stationary jaw and a movable jaw to clamp the body to the fixation element inserted in the substrate.
7 . The tool of claim 6 wherein the movable jaw is moveable relative to the stationary jaw with a tightening element.
8 . The tool of claim 6 further comprising at least one guide hole positioned between the stationary jaw and the movable jaw.
9 . The tool of claim 8 wherein one of the at least one guide hole is elongated to form a guide tube.
10 . The tool of claim 9 further comprising teeth or a jagged edge at an end of the guide tube for gripping the substrate.
11 . The tool of claim 1 wherein an opening in the tracking member is adapted to couple to the coupler when the removeable handle is displaced from the coupler.
12 . The tool of claim 6 wherein the stationary jaw further comprises one or more channels adapted for mating with an outer surface of the fixation element.
13 . The tool of claim 6 wherein the movable jaw further comprises one or more tabs.
14 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the coupler further comprises a plurality of facets.
15 . The tool of claim 1 further comprising a set screw adapted to simultaneously engage the coupler and the tracking member, a groove adapted to engage the removable handle, or a combination thereof.
16 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the removable handle further comprises a coupling mechanism for holding and releasing the removable handle to/from the coupler.
17 . A system comprising:
the installation tool of claim 1 ; and
a tracking member.
18 . The system of claim 17 wherein the removable handle, during the installation process, approximates the final location of the tracking member when coupled to the coupler.
19 . The system of claim 17 wherein the tracking member further comprises at least one of a fiducial marker, a data transmitting light-emitting-diode, a photosensor, or a tightening mechanism.
20 . The system of claim 17 wherein the tracking member is adapted to be attached to the coupler upon removal of the removable handle.