Malleolar Referencing Device

Abstract

A medical marker ( 12 ) device for detection by a navigation system in a navigated medical procedure, comprising: a) an image-detectable two-dimensional marker pattern ( 13 ) for detection by an imaging unit of the navigation system; b) a carrier part ( 14 ) for carrying the marker pattern ( 13 ); c) a positioning part ( 15 ) for positioning the marker device ( 12 ) on an anatomical structure ( 11 ); and d) a support part ( 16 ) for supporting the carrier part ( 14 ) and the positioning part ( 15 ).

1 . A medical marker device for detection by a navigation system in a navigated medical procedure, comprising:
 a) an image-detectable two-dimensional marker pattern for detection by an imaging unit of the navigation system;   b) a carrier part provided with a planar carrier surface for carrying the marker pattern;   c) two positioning parts for positioning the marker device on an anatomical structure, wherein the positioning parts are shaped to be positioned substantially flush with the anatomical structure-; and   d) a support part for supporting the carrier part and the positioning part.   
     
     
         2 . The marker device according to the preceding  claim 1 , wherein the marker pattern is a graphical feature configured to produce an image appearance which depends on the spatial relationship between the imaging unit and the marker pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the marker pattern is detectable in at least one of a video image and a still image. 
     
     
         4 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the spatial relationship of the marker pattern relative to the positioning part is fixed. 
     
     
         5 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the spatial relationship, of the positioning part relative to the support part is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support part is designed to form-fit to the anatomical structure. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the marker pattern is provided on the carrier surface. 
     
     
         9 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support part is forceps-shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support part comprises an arrangement comprising at least one of a set of straps, a shoe and a splint which is configured to fasten the marker device to a joint. 
     
     
         11 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical structure comprises a malleolus. 
     
     
         12 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support part comprises an adhesive foil. 
     
     
         13 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , wherein the marker pattern, the carrier part, the positioning part and the support part are detachably connectable with each other. 
     
     
         14 . The marker device according to  claim 1 , comprising two image-detectable two-dimensional marker patterns for detection by a detection unit of the navigation system and an individual carrier part for each of the marker patterns and an individual positioning part for positioning each carrier part. 
     
     
         15 . A combination of the marker device according to  claim 1  and a navigation system for conducting a navigated medical procedure. 
     
     
         16 . The marker device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the position and the orientation of the marker pattern relative to the positioning part is fixed. 
     
     
         17 . The marker device according to  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the position and the orientation of the positioning part relative to the support part is adjustable. 
     
     
         18 . The marker device according to  claim 6 , wherein the support part is shoe-shaped. 
     
     
         19 . The marker device according to  claim 9 , wherein the support part comprises a forceps.