Method and system for fiducial marker deployment in medical procedures - Patents.com

Abstract

A marker deployment system and method of operation are provided. The system includes a handle extending radially from and longitudinally along the main axis. A driver tube is coupled to the handle and extends from the handle along the main axis from a proximal tube end to a distal tube end defining a tube bore extending axially therethrough. The distal tube end is configured to support a bone marker. An inner rod extends axially through the driver tube to a distal rod end including a retaining fastener configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker at the distal tube end. A knob is operably coupled to the inner rod and is rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along the main axis to secure or release the bone marker. At least a portion of the handle extends axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 289,862, filed December 15, 2021, entitled "Methods and Systems for Fiducial Marker Deployment in Medical Procedures," which is incorporated by reference herein as if reproduced in full below. [Background technology]

[0002] Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgical site within the body is accessed through a small keyhole or port passed through the patient's skin. Various tissues within the surgical site are visualized by an arthroscope placed through the port, and the internal view is displayed on an external display device. Tissues can be repaired or replaced through the same port or through additional ports.

[0003] In computer-assisted surgery (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement, femoroacetabular impingement reduction), the position of various objects relative to the surgical site can be tracked by images captured by an arthroscope. In particular, related art systems teach tracking the position of objects (e.g., medical instruments, bones) based on reading a Quick Response Code (QR Code), determining the orientation of the QR Code in three-dimensional coordinate space, and then determining the position and / or orientation of an accessory instrument or bone in the three-dimensional coordinate space.

[0004] Such QR code-containing bone markers may include a threaded anchor portion configured to be secured within a bone when driven by a corresponding installation tool or marker deployment system. The marker may further include an internal threaded portion that is engaged by a threaded rod of the marker deployment system. The threaded rod may rotate independently of the marker deployment system to temporarily secure the marker to the marker deployment system until the bone marker is deployed.

[0005] However, holding the handle of a driver tool while rotating a threaded rod to disengage a marker is inconveniently a two-handed operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first example is a marker deployment system comprising: a handle extending radially from a main axis and longitudinally along the main axis from a proximal handle end to a distal handle end; a driver tube coupled to the handle at the distal handle end and extending from the handle at the distal handle end along the main axis from the proximal tube end to the distal tube end and defining a tube lumen extending axially therethrough, the distal tube end configured to support a bone marker; an inner rod extending axially through the driver tube from the proximal rod end to the distal rod end, the inner rod including a plurality of distal rod threads with a retention fastener configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker at the distal tube end; and a knob operably coupled to the inner rod and rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along the main axis in a first direction to secure the bone marker and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker, at least a portion of the handle extending axially beyond the knob to define the proximal handle end.

[0007] In a first exemplary marker deployment system, the knob rotation axis may be offset and parallel to the main axis, the inner rod may include a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob may be annular in shape and define a knob opening, and the knob may include a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening and configured to mesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth to rotate the inner rod about the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis. The handle may define a handle cavity extending along the main axis, the driver tube extending axially into the handle cavity, the driver tube may include a top tube portion and a bottom tube portion and may define a gear window extending through the driver tube and into the tube bore, the gear window being disposed on the top tube portion and configured to allow a plurality of knob teeth to intermesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth, the handle may extend radially outwardly to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user, the handle may include a knob support wall extending radially outwardly from the handle cavity to a peripheral surface proximate a distal handle end of the handle, the handle may include a tube support portion extending axially away from the knob support wall and along a bottom tube portion of the driver tube through a knob opening to define a distal handle end of the handle and configured to abut at least some of the plurality of knob teeth, and at least one of the knob and handle may be configured to hold the knob axially and enable a user to turn the knob with one hand and enable rotation of the knob about the knob's axis of rotation.

[0008] In a first exemplary marker deployment system, the knob rotation axis may be coaxial with the main axis, the knob may be configured to rotate with the inner rod and be axially movable along the handle, the handle may define a handle cavity extending axially through a distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, and the proximal rod end may extend at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond a proximal tube end of the driver tube and may include a plurality of proximal rod threads configured to threadingly engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads to simultaneously cause rotation about the inner rod along the main axis and axial translation along the handle. The driver tube may extend partially axially into the handle cavity, and the handle may extend radially outward to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user, and the handle may include a knob sliding portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to define a distal knob shoulder between the peripheral surface and the knob sliding portion and a proximal knob shoulder between the peripheral surface and the knob sliding portion, the distal knob shoulder may be configured to abut the knob at a marker-locked position of the knob and the proximal knob shoulder may be configured to abut the knob at a marker-unlocked position of the knob, and the knob extends radially outward to a third diameter greater than the first diameter. the knob sliding portion may be annular in shape to define a knob opening configured to surround and slidingly abut the knob sliding portion and may include at least one knob pin extending radially inwardly, the knob sliding portion may define at least one rod engaging slot and the at least one knob pin may extend through the at least one rod engaging slot to attach the knob to the inner rod and secure the inner rod for rotation therewith, and may be configured to allow a user to turn the knob with one hand and to provide limited axial translational movement of the knob as the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis and simultaneously translated axially along the main axis.

[0009] In a first exemplary marker deployment system, the proximal rod threads may be different than the handle threads in the linear translation portion of the handle cavity.

[0010] In a first exemplary marker deployment system, the driver tube may extend partially axially into a handle cavity, the handle may extend radially outward to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user, the handle may include a distal knob barrier within the handle cavity and extending radially inward from the peripheral surface, and a proximal knob barrier within the handle cavity and extending radially inward from the peripheral surface, the distal knob barrier may be configured to abut the knob at a marker-locked position of the knob, and the proximal knob barrier may be configured to lock the knob against a marker-unlocked position of the knob. the knob may be configured to abut the knob at a removed position, the knob may extend radially outward from the inner rod to a third diameter smaller than the first diameter, and may be configured to rotate within the handle cavity, the handle may define at least one knob access window extending radially inward from the peripheral surface into the handle cavity, and may be configured to allow a user to turn the knob with one hand and to provide limited axial translational movement of the knob as the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis and simultaneously translated axially along the primary axis.

[0011] In a first exemplary marker deployment system, the knob rotation axis may be coaxial with the main axis, the knob may be configured to rotate with the inner rod, the handle may include a free swivel coupled to the handle and extending axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end, the free swivel may be rotatable about the main axis completely independent of rotation of the knob and handle, and rotation of the knob may cause rotation of the inner rod about the main axis as the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

[0012] A second example includes a handle extending radially from the main axis and longitudinally along the main axis from a proximal handle end to a distal handle end to define a proximal half of the handle adjacent the proximal handle end and a distal half of the handle adjacent the distal handle end; a driver tube coupled to the handle at the distal handle end and extending from the handle at the distal handle end along the main axis from the proximal tube end to the distal tube end and defining a tube lumen extending axially therethrough, the distal tube end configured to support a bone marker; a knob operably coupled to the inner rod and rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along a major axis in a first direction to secure the bone marker and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker, the knob being disposed in a distal half of the handle.

[0013] In a second exemplary marker deployment system, the knob rotation axis may be offset and parallel to the main axis, the inner rod may include a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob may be annular in shape and define a knob opening, the knob may include a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening, and may be configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth to rotate the inner rod about the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

[0014] In a second exemplary marker deployment system, the knob rotation axis may be coaxial with the main axis, the knob may be configured to rotate with the inner rod and be axially movable along the handle, the handle may define a handle cavity extending axially through a distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, and the proximal rod end may extend at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond a proximal tube end of the driver tube and may include a plurality of proximal rod threads configured to threadingly engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads to simultaneously cause rotation about and axial translation along the main axis of the inner rod when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis. The driver tube may extend partially axially into the handle cavity, the handle may extend radially outward to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user, the knob may extend radially outward from the proximal rod end to a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and may be configured to rotate in the handle cavity, the handle may include at least one knob access window extending radially inward from the peripheral surface into the handle cavity and may be configured to allow a user to turn the knob with one hand and to provide limited axial movement of the knob as the knob rotates about the knob rotation axis while simultaneously axially translating along the major axis.

[0015] Yet another example is a method of operating a marker deployment system, the method including: engaging a bone marker within an interior volume at a distal end of the marker deployment system, the bone marker comprising a polyhedron, an externally threaded screw extending distally from the polyhedron, and a retention hole having an entrance opening through a top surface of the polyhedron; and rotating a knob in a first direction about a knob rotation axis to rotate the marker deployment system from a proximal rod end through a distal handle end of the handle and a driver tube of the marker deployment system to a distal rod end defining a retention fastener. a knob operably coupled to an inner rod extending along a major axis of the stem, at least a portion of the handle extending axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end; and in response to turning the knob in a first direction, positioning a retention fastener within a retention hole of the bone marker, the retention fastener holding the bone marker in a mating relationship with the marker deployment system; positioning a distal end of an externally threaded screw relative to the bone at the marker location; and threading the externally threaded screw into the bone with the marker deployment system.

[0016] In an exemplary method, the step of rotating the knob in a first direction about a knob rotation axis extending along a major axis of the marker deployment system may further include gripping a peripheral surface of a handle of the marker deployment system with one hand of a user and using the user's hand to rotate the knob in the first direction about the knob rotation axis extending along the major axis of the marker deployment system.

[0017] An exemplary method may further include rotating the knob about the knob rotation axis in a second direction opposite the first direction after threading the externally threaded screw into the bone, and removing the retention fastener from within the retention hole in response to rotating the knob in the second direction. The step of rotating the knob about the knob rotation axis in the second direction opposite the first direction may further include grasping a peripheral surface of a handle of the marker deployment system with one hand of a user, and rotating the knob about the knob rotation axis in the second direction opposite the first direction using the user's hand.

[0018] In an exemplary method, placing the retention fastener within the retention hole of the bone marker in response to turning the knob in a first direction may further include threading distal rod threads of the retention fastener into mating relationship with internal threads of the retention hole.

[0019] In an exemplary method, the knob rotation axis may be offset and parallel to the main axis, the inner rod may include a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob may be annular in shape and define a knob opening, the knob may include a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening and configured to meshingly engage one or more of the plurality of rod teeth, and the method may further include rotating the inner rod about the main axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis.

[0020] In an exemplary method, the knob rotation axis may be coaxial with the main axis, the knob may be configured to rotate with the inner rod and be axially movable along the handle, the handle may define a handle cavity extending axially through a distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, a proximal rod end of the inner rod may extend at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond a proximal tube end of the driver tube and may include a plurality of proximal rod threads configured for threading engagement with one or more of the plurality of handle threads, and the method may further include rotating the inner rod about the main axis and simultaneously axially translating along the main axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis.

[0021] In an exemplary marker method, the knob rotation axis may be coaxial with the main axis, the knob may be configured to rotate with the inner rod, and the handle may include a free swivel coupled to the handle and extending axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end, the method further including rotating the free swivel about the main axis completely independent of rotation of the knob and the handle, and rotating the inner rod about the main axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] For a detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical system according to at least some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of a bone marker in accordance with at least some embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of a bone marker in accordance with at least some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a bone marker held on a distal end of a marker deployment system, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a bone marker held on a distal end of a marker deployment system, according to at least some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a distal end of a marker deployment system and a bone marker, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates placement of a bone marker on a bone by a surgeon using the marker deployment system of FIGS. 4A and 4B. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary marker deployment system taken along its major axis that can be operated one-handed, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 8]8 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary marker deployment system of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of another exemplary marker deployment system taken along its major axis that can be operated one-handed, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary marker deployment system of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of yet another exemplary marker deployment system taken along its major axis that can be operated one-handed, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a further exemplary marker deployment system taken along a major axis, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating a marker deployment system, according to at least some embodiments.

[0024] definition Various terms are used to refer to particular system components. Different companies may refer to a component by different names, and this document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprises" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." Additionally, the terms "couple" or "couples" are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, when a first device is coupled to a second device, the connection may be by a direct connection or an indirect connection via another device or other connection.

[0025] "Through hole" is intended to mean an opening or passageway through an underlying object. However, the term "through hole" should not be construed as implying any method of formation. Thus, through holes may be made in any suitable manner, such as by drilling, punching, laser drilling, casting, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the present invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, and should not be used in other ways. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the following description has a wide range of applications, and the discussion of any embodiment is intended to be only an example of that embodiment, and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0027] Various examples are directed to a marker deployment system and corresponding operating method for deploying bone markers used in medical procedures. More specifically, various examples are directed to an exemplary marker deployment system and corresponding operating method, where the marker deployment system may be used one-handed to improve control and efficiency of placement of the bone marker by a surgeon. In the exemplary marker deployment system, a handle extends radially from a main axis and longitudinally along the main axis from a proximal handle end to a distal handle end. A driver tube is coupled to the handle at the distal handle end and extends from the handle at the distal handle end along the main axis from the proximal tube end to the distal tube end. The driver tube defines a tube bore extending axially therethrough, the distal tube end configured to support a bone marker. An inner rod of the exemplary marker deployment system extends axially through the driver tube from the proximal rod end to the distal rod end. The distal rod end includes a plurality of distal rod threads with a retention fastener configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker at the distal tube end. The knob is operably coupled to the inner rod and rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along the main axis. The knob is rotatable in a first direction to secure the bone marker and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker. At least a portion of the handle extends axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end. This specification first describes an exemplary surgical system for orienting a leader with an exemplary marker deployment system.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical system (not to scale) according to at least some embodiments. In particular, the exemplary surgical system 100 includes a tower or device cart 102, an exemplary mechanical cutting instrument 104, an exemplary plasma-based cauterization instrument (hereinafter simply cauterization instrument 106), and an endoscope in an exemplary configuration consisting of an arthroscope 108 and an attached camera head 110. The device cart 102 may include a camera 112 (illustratively shown as a stereoscopic camera), a display device 114, a resection controller 116, and a camera control unit (CCU), along with an endoscope light source and a video controller. In the exemplary case, the CCU, endoscope light source, and video controller provide light for the arthroscope 108 and display images received from the camera head 110, as well as implement various additional aspects such as tracking the position of objects within a surgical site. Thus, the CCU, endoscope light source, and video controller are hereinafter referred to as a surgical controller 118. However, in other cases, the CCU, endoscope light source, and video controller may be separate systems that are separate from the controller that handles aspects of intraoperative tracking, but the separate devices are still operably coupled.

[0029] The exemplary device cart 102 further includes a pump controller 120 (e.g., a single or dual peristaltic pump). Fluid connections between the mechanical ablation instrument 104 and the cauterization instrument 106 are not shown to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. Similarly, fluid connections between the pump controller 120 and the patient are not shown to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. In the exemplary system, both the mechanical ablation instrument 104 and the cauterization instrument 106 are coupled to the ablation controller 116, which is a dual function controller. However, in other cases, a separate and distinct mechanical ablation controller may be provided to the ablation controller. The exemplary devices and controllers associated with the device cart 102 are merely illustrative; other examples include vacuum pumps, robotic arms that hold various instruments, ultrasonic cutting devices and associated controllers, patient positioning controllers, and robotic surgical systems.

[0030] FIG. 1 further illustrates additional instruments that may be present during arthroscopic surgery. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary touch probe 122, aimer 124, bone marker 126, and a marker deployment system 127, 727 or placement tool for the bone marker 126. The touch probe 122 may be used during surgery to provide information to the surgical controller 118, such as information for registering a three-dimensional bone model to the underlying bone visible in images captured by the arthroscope 108 and camera head 110, and information regarding revised tunnel entry and / or exit positions when the surgeon chooses to deviate from the preoperative tunnel plan. The aimer 124 may be used as a guide for placement of the drill wire and as a guide for drilling with the drill wire to form an initial or pilot tunnel through the bone. Bone markers 126 may be firmly attached to the bone by a marker deployment system 127 and may serve as anchor locations for the surgical controller 118 to know the orientation of the bone (e.g., after registration to the 3D bone model). There will be additional tools and instruments, such as drill wires, various reamers for forming through-hole and countersink versions of the tunnels through the bone, and various tools such as for suturing and anchoring the grafts. These additional tools and instruments are not shown so as not to further complicate the drawing.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary bone marker 126. In particular, the exemplary bone marker 126 includes a polyhedron 200 and an externally threaded screw 202. The exemplary polyhedron 200 defines a top or top surface 206 and a number of outwardly facing surfaces, such as outwardly facing surface 208 and outwardly facing surface 210. In the example of FIG. 2, the polyhedron 200 is a cube, and thus two additional outwardly facing surfaces are present but are not visible in the view of FIG. 2. However, the polyhedron 200 may take any suitable shape that defines the top surface 206, at least three outwardly facing surfaces, and a location (e.g., a lower surface) from which the externally threaded screw 202 protrudes. Each of the outwardly facing surfaces, such as outwardly facing surfaces 208, 210, visible in FIG. 2, has a fiducial pattern disposed on the top surface, such as fiducial pattern 212, 214, respectively. Representatively referring to fiducial pattern 214, fiducial pattern 214 is a machine-readable code that uniquely identifies outwardly facing surface 210 of polyhedron 200. That is, upon receiving images captured by arthroscope 108 (FIG. 1) and camera head 110 (FIG. 1), surgical controller 118 (FIG. 1) may read values ​​represented by fiducial pattern 214. Moreover, fiducial pattern 214 is designed and configured such that by analyzing the physical relationships between three-dimensional features or patterns of fiducial pattern 214 (e.g., outer corners, inner corners, relative line widths) within an image of fiducial pattern 214, surgical controller 118 may thereby determine the physical orientation of the fiducial pattern in three-dimensional coordinate space within the field of view of arthroscope 108, and thus the physical orientation of bone marker 126. Thus, when bone marker 126 is bonded to a bone, surgical controller 118 may determine the physical orientation of the bonded bone in three-dimensional coordinate space within the field of view of arthroscope 108. In the exemplary system, the reference patterns on each of the outwardly facing surfaces are unique and separate patterns.

[0032] In this example, the externally threaded screw 202 protrudes from the surface of the polyhedron 200 opposite the top surface 206. In an exemplary case, the polyhedron 200 and the externally threaded screw 202 are of one piece construction, such as a continuous piece of metal material (e.g., aluminum). For example, the polyhedron 200 and the externally threaded screw 202 may be cast together in a mold or machined from a single piece of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. The exemplary externally threaded screw 202 is a self-drilling or self-tapping screw, meaning that the distal end 216 of the externally threaded screw 202 includes a drilling feature for forming an initial opening into the bone. The externally threaded screw 202 further includes a thread 218 extending from near the distal end 216 of the externally threaded screw 202 toward the proximal end. In some cases, the threads 218 are right-hand threads, meaning that when the bone marker 126 is screwed into a bone, the bone marker 126 is rotationally driven clockwise about its central longitudinal axis 220 when viewed from above the polyhedron 200 along the central longitudinal axis toward the externally threaded screw. The threads 218 may alternatively be left-hand threads.

[0033] The bone marker 126 is a relatively small object, and in one example, the outer diameter of the externally threaded screw 202 is approximately 2.5 millimeters (mm), although larger and smaller sizes are contemplated. In an exemplary case, the polyhedron 200 may form a face that is approximately 4 mm long (as measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 220). The overall length of the exemplary bone marker may be between 10 mm and 15 mm inclusive, and in one example, may be 12 mm.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary bone marker 126. Specifically visible in Figure 3 is a polyhedron 200 and a portion of an externally threaded screw 202. Outwardly facing surfaces 208, 210 are also visible, along with corresponding fiducial patterns (not specifically labeled).

[0035] 3, the exemplary bone marker 126 further includes a retention hole 230 having an entrance opening 232 through the top surface 206 of the polyhedron 200. The retention hole 230 defines a retention feature 234, illustratively shown as threads on an inner surface of the retention hole 230. The retention feature 234 may be used to hold the bone marker 126 in operative relationship with a marker deployment system 127, 727 (not shown in FIG. 3) so that the unplaced bone marker 126 may be placed through a port through the patient's skin and thereafter screwed into place within the bone. Once screwed into place, the marker deployment system 127, 727 is released from the retention feature 234, allowing the marker deployment system 127, 727 to be withdrawn, leaving the bone marker 126 in place.

[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a bone marker 126 held on a distal end of an exemplary marker deployment system 127. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary marker deployment system 127 comprising an elongated shaft or driver tube 402 defining a distal tube end 404 and a proximal tube end 406. The driver tube 402 is coupled to a handle 408 at the proximal tube end 406. Although not visible in FIG. 4A, the driver tube 402 and the handle 408 define a coaxial throughbore. Also visible in FIG. 4A is the exemplary bone marker 126. FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of the distal tube end 404 including the bone marker 126. In the example, the bone marker 126 is held within the marker deployment system 127 by fitting a polyhedron 200 into an interior volume at the distal tube end 404 of the marker deployment system 127. As shown and described in more detail below, the bone marker 126 is held in a mating relationship by a retention fastener (not visible in FIGS. 4A or 4B ) disposed in mating relationship with a retention feature 234 ( FIG. 2 ) in the retention hole 230 ( FIG. 2 ). The retention fastener provides an axial force tending to hold the bone marker 126 in the mating relationship. Retaining the bone marker 126 within the marker deployment system 127 allows for direct placement of the bone marker 126, eliminating the related art approach of drilling a pilot tunnel with a guidewire and then guiding the bone marker to the proper location on the bone by sliding the bone marker along a guide.

[0037] In use, the distal tube end 404 of the marker deployment system 127 and the retained bone marker 126 are placed in the surgical site, such as through a port through the patient's skin. The marker deployment system 127 can then be used to not only position the bone marker 126 in the appropriate location for placement (e.g., in the intercondylar recess in the case of ACL repair / replacement), but also to provide a rotational drive to the bone marker 126 for driving the externally threaded screw 202 into the bone and fixing the bone marker 126 to the bone. To reduce the possibility of denting or damaging the fiducial patterns on the outwardly facing surfaces of the polyhedron 200, in the exemplary case, the rotational drive applied to the polyhedron 200 by the marker deployment system 127 is located on each outwardly facing surface at a position that does not contact or overlap the respective corresponding fiducial patterns on the outwardly facing surface. In other words, the rotational drive for placement of the bone marker 126 is applied at a position outside the boundaries of the respective corresponding fiducial patterns on each outwardly facing surface.

[0038] 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the distal end of the marker deployment system 127, 727 and the bone marker 126. In particular, the distal end 404 of the driver tube 402 defines an inner surface designed and constructed to fit onto the polyhedron 200 of the bone marker 126. In the exemplary case where the polyhedron 200 is a cube, the inner surface of the elongate shaft's distal tube end 404 therefore defines a square cross-sectional shape. The driver tube 402 further defines a through hole or bore along a major axis 410 of the driver tube 402. The bore intersects with the inner surface to create a shoulder region (not specifically shown) that limits axial translation of the polyhedron 200 into the distal tube end 404. Fitted into the bore along the central axis 410 is a retaining fastener 412, illustratively shown as an externally threaded portion of an elongate rod or inner rod 414. 4A and 4B, an inner rod 414 can extend into and through a handle 408 (FIG. 4A) to the distal tube end 404. The inner rod 414 is attached to and can be rotated by a knob 413 at a proximal handle end 415 of the handle 408.

[0039] Thus, retaining the bone marker 126 on the distal tube end 404 of the marker deployment system 127, 727 may include fitting the polyhedron 200 into an interior volume defined by an interior surface at the distal tube end 404 of the marker deployment system 127, 727. The retention fastener 412 may then be coupled to a retention feature 234 (FIG. 2) located within a retention hole 230 (FIG. 2) on the top surface of the polyhedron 200. In the illustrated example, the retention fastener 412 configured with an external thread may be threadably coupled to the retention feature 234 configured with an internal thread located within the retention hole 230. Thus, the inner rod 414 may provide a force tending to retain the bone marker 126 in a mating relationship with the marker deployment system 127. In this example, when the bone marker 126 is held in mating relationship with the marker deployment system 127, 727, the central longitudinal axis 220 of the bone marker 126 is coaxial with the throughbore of the driver tube 402 and the major axis 410 of the inner rod 414. However, in other cases, the central longitudinal axis and the major axis 410 need not be coaxial.

[0040] Once the bone marker 126 is placed on the bone, the retention fastener 412 may be removed from the retention hole 230 (FIG. 2). In particular, in the exemplary case where the retention fastener 412 is externally threaded, the bone marker 126 may be held in a certain rotational orientation when the external threads of the retention fastener 412 are unthreaded from a mating relationship by using the marker deployment system 127, 727. In some cases, the threads of the exemplary retention fastener 412 are right-handed, but considering that the bone marker 126 may be held in place by the marker deployment system 127, 727, the bone marker 126 is not unthreaded from the bone even though the threads of the exemplary retention fastener 412 are unthreaded. However, in other cases, the threads of the exemplary retaining fastener 412 may be left-handed threads and the threads of the externally threaded screw 202 may be right-handed threads (or vice versa), such that the act of unthreading the threads of the exemplary retaining fastener 412 will tend to more firmly connect the bone marker 126 to the underlying bone.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates placement of a bone marker 126 on a bone by a surgeon (inset) using the marker deployment system 127 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. While the exemplary marker deployment system 127 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B is well suited for placing the bone marker 126, use of the marker deployment system 127 to thread or unthread the exemplary retention fastener 412 typically requires the use of two hands (one to hold the handle 408 and the other to turn the knob 413). Such two-handed operation is a result of the knob 413 being located at the proximal handle end 415 of the handle 408. Thus, the surgeon must use both hands to use the marker deployment system 127 while, for example, an assistant operates an endoscope (e.g., arthroscope 108). Two-handed operation can slow the speed and efficiency of the overall surgical procedure.

[0042] 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, an exemplary marker deployment system 727 is shown that may be operated with one hand. The exemplary marker deployment system 727 includes a handle 408 extending radially from a main shaft and longitudinally along a main shaft 410 from a proximal handle end (not shown) to a distal handle end 700. Similar to the exemplary marker deployment system 127 described above, the marker deployment system 727 of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 also includes a driver tube 402 coupled to the handle 408 at the distal handle end 700 and extending from the handle at the distal handle end 700 along the main shaft 410 from the proximal tube end 406 to the distal tube end 404, defining a tube bore 702 extending axially therethrough. The distal tube end 404 is configured to support a bone marker 126. Additionally, the marker deployment system 727 includes an inner rod 414 extending axially through the driver tube 402 from the proximal rod end 704 to the distal rod end 706 (FIG. 5), the distal rod end 706 including a plurality of distal rod threads including a retaining fastener 412 configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker 126 at the distal tube end 404. Thus, for the exemplary marker deployment system 727 of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the operation of the distal tube end 404 and the inner rod 414 extending axially through the driver tube 402 to the distal rod end 706, and the retaining fastener 412 are the same as the exemplary marker deployment system 127 shown in FIG. 4A and 4B , the marker deployment system 727 also includes a knob 713 operably coupled to the inner rod 414 and rotatable about a knob rotation axis 708 extending along the main axis 410 in a first direction to secure the bone marker 126, and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker 126. However, in contrast to the exemplary marker deployment system 127 of FIGS. 4A and 4B , at least a portion of the handle 408 extends axially beyond the knob 713 to define a proximal handle end 415.

[0043] 7 and 8 , the knob rotation axis 708 is offset and parallel to the main axis 410. The inner rod 414 includes a plurality of rod teeth 712 extending radially outward therefrom and adjacent the proximal rod end 704. The knob 713 is annular shaped to define a knob opening 714. The knob 713 includes a plurality of knob teeth 716 extending radially inward into the knob opening 714. The plurality of knob teeth 716 are configured to intermesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth 712 to rotate the inner rod 414 about the main axis 410 when the knob 713 is rotated about the knob rotation axis 708.

[0044] More specifically, the handle 408 defines a handle throughbore or handle cavity 718 extending along the main axis 410, and the driver tube 402 extends axially into the handle cavity 718. The driver tube 402 includes a top tube portion 720 and a bottom tube portion 722 and defines a gear window 724 extending through the driver tube 402 and into the tube bore 702. The gear window 724 is disposed on the top tube portion 720 and configured to allow the plurality of knob teeth 716 to meshingly engage with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth 712. The handle 408 extends radially outward to a peripheral surface 726 configured to be held in one hand of a user. The handle 408 includes a knob support wall 728 extending radially outward from the handle cavity 718 to the peripheral surface 726 proximate a distal handle end 700 of the handle 408. The handle 408 also includes a tube support portion 730 that extends axially away from the knob support wall 728 and along the bottom tube portion 722 of the driver tube 402. The tube support portion 730 also extends axially through the knob opening 714 to define the distal handle end 700 of the handle 408. The tube support portion 730 is configured to abut at least some of the plurality of knob teeth 716. At least one of the knob 713 and the handle 408 is configured to axially retain the knob 713 and to allow a user to turn the knob 713. According to one embodiment, the handle 408 further includes a knob retaining ring 732 that extends annularly around and engages the driver tube 402 and the tube support portion 730 of the handle 408. Knob retaining ring 732 is configured to axially retain knob 713 in sliding abutment with knob support wall 728 and to allow a user to turn knob 713 with one hand and to allow rotation of knob 713 about knob rotation axis 708. Although knob retaining ring 732 is shown, it should be understood that other structures or arrangements may alternatively be employed to prevent knob 713 from translating distally. For example, knob 713 may be a split knob configured to be retained on handle 408.

[0045] Thus, the exemplary marker deployment system 727 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 employs an inner rod 414 configured as a pinion gear (i.e., a plurality of rod teeth 712) and mated to a knob 713 with a mating internal gear (i.e., a plurality of knob teeth 716). In addition, the knob 713 is off-centered relative to the main axis 410. This arrangement includes a window or gear window 724 in the driver tube 402 that allows the knob 713 to be positioned at its distal-most end (i.e., at the distal handle end 700 of the handle 408) under the user's thumb / index finger. Once the fiducial or bone marker 126 is placed on the bone (e.g., the condyle), the user can rotate the knob 713 without repositioning their hand on the handle 408 and without assistance. The rotation of the knob 713 is transferred to the distal rod end 706 of the inner rod 414, releasing or capturing the bone marker 126 from the driver tube 402.

[0046] 9 and 10, another exemplary marker deployment system 727 is shown. The marker deployment system 727 includes a handle 408 extending radially from the main axis 410 and longitudinally along the main axis from the proximal handle end 415 to the distal handle end 700 to define a proximal half 900 of the handle 408 adjacent the proximal handle end 415 and a distal half 902 of the handle 408 adjacent the distal handle end 700. Similar to the exemplary marker deployment system 727 of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, a driver tube 402 is coupled to the handle 408 at the distal handle end 700 and extends from the handle 408 at the distal handle end 700 along the main axis 410 from the proximal tube end 406 to the distal tube end (FIG. 5). The driver tube 402 defines a tube bore 702 extending axially therethrough. The distal tube end 404 is configured to support a bone marker 126. Again, the inner rod 414 extends axially through the driver tube 402 from the proximal rod end 704 to the distal rod end 706 (FIG. 5), the distal rod end 706 including a plurality of distal rod threads including a retention fastener 412 configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker 126 at the distal tube end 404. The knob 713 is operably coupled to the inner rod 414 and is rotatable about a knob rotation axis 708 extending along the main axis 410. The inner rod 414 is rotatable in a first direction to secure the bone marker 126 and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker 126. As shown, the knob 713 is disposed in the distal half 902 of the handle 408.

[0047] 9 and 10, the knob rotation axis 708 is coaxial with the main axis 410. The knob 713 rotates with the inner rod 414 and is axially movable along the handle 408. The handle 408 defines a handle cavity 718 that extends axially through the distal handle end 700 to a linear translation portion 904 that includes a plurality of handle threads 906 defined therein. The proximal rod end 704 extends at least partially into the linear translation portion 904 of the handle cavity 718 beyond the proximal tube end 406 of the driver tube 402. The proximal rod end 704 includes a plurality of proximal rod threads 908 configured to threadably engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads 906 and cause axial translation of the inner rod 414 along the main axis 410 concurrently with rotation about the main axis 410 when the knob 713 is rotated about the knob rotation axis 708.

[0048] More specifically, the driver tube 402 extends partially axially into a handle cavity 718. The handle 408 extends radially outward to a first diameter 910 to a peripheral surface 726 configured to be held in one hand of a user. The handle 408 includes a knob sliding portion 912 having a second diameter 914 smaller than the first diameter 910 to define a distal knob shoulder 916 between the peripheral surface 726 and the knob sliding portion 912, and a proximal knob shoulder 918 between the peripheral surface 726 and the knob sliding portion 912, the distal knob shoulder 916 configured to abut the knob 713 at a marker locked position of the knob 713 (i.e., as far axially as the knob 713 may move toward the distal handle end 700), and the proximal knob shoulder 918 configured to abut the knob 713 at a marker unlocked position of the knob 713 (i.e., as far axially as the knob 713 may move toward the proximal handle end 415). The knob 713 extends radially outward to a third diameter 920 that is larger than the first diameter 910. The knob 713 is annularly shaped to define a knob opening 714 configured to surround and slidingly abut the knob sliding portion 912 and includes at least one knob pin (not shown) extending radially inward. The knob sliding portion 912 defines at least one rod engaging slot 922 through which the at least one knob pin attaches the knob 713 to the inner rod 414 and secures the inner rod 414 for rotation therewith. The at least one rod engaging slot 922 and the knob sliding portion 912 are configured to allow a user to turn the knob 713 with one hand and to provide limited axial movement of the knob 713 as the knob 713 is rotated about the knob rotation axis 708 and simultaneously translated axially along the main axis 410. According to one embodiment, the plurality of proximal rod threads 908 may be different from the plurality of handle threads 906 of the linear translation portion 904 of the handle cavity 718. Thus, the threads on each end of the inner rod 414 may be different to vary the number of turns at the proximal and distal ends. Specifically, threads of different pitch may separate the number of turns of the knob 713 from the number of engagement turns of the retaining fastener 412.

[0049] 9 and 10 , once the fiducial or bone marker 126 is placed on the bone, the user can use their thumb / index finger to rotate the knob 713. Rotation of the knob 713 is transmitted to both the proximal and distal ends of the inner rod 414. At the proximal rod end, the inner rod 414 engages with the threads of the handle 408 (i.e., the plurality of handle threads 906 of the linear translation portion 904) to create a linear translation. Rotation of the distal rod end 706 of the inner rod 414 releases or captures the bone marker 126 from the driver tube 402.

[0050] Specific reference now to FIG. 11 , yet another exemplary marker deployment system 727 is shown. Similar to the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the driver tube 402 extends partially axially into a handle cavity 718. Again, the handle 408 extends radially outward to a first diameter 910 to a peripheral surface 726 configured to be held in one hand of a user. However, the handle 408 includes a distal knob barrier 1100 that is within the handle cavity 718 and extends radially inward from the peripheral surface 726. Similarly, the handle 408 includes a proximal knob barrier 1102 that is within the handle cavity 718 and extends radially inward from the peripheral surface 726. The distal knob barrier 1100 is configured to abut the knob 713 at a marker-locked position of the knob 713 (i.e., as far axially as the knob 713 can move toward the distal handle end 700), and the proximal knob barrier 1102 is configured to abut the knob 713 at a marker-unlocked position of the knob 713 (i.e., as far axially as the knob 713 can move toward the proximal handle end 415). In contrast to the example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the knob 713 extends radially outward from the inner rod 414 to a third diameter 1104 that is smaller than the first diameter 910, and is configured to rotate in the handle cavity 718. The handle 408 defines at least one knob access window 1106 that extends radially inward from the peripheral surface 726 into the handle cavity 718. At least one knob access window 1106 is configured to allow a user to turn the knob 713 with one hand and to provide limited axial movement of the knob 713 as the knob 713 is rotated about the knob rotation axis 708 and simultaneously translated axially along the main axis 410.

[0051] The one-handed operation of the marker deployment system 727 described herein allows the surgeon to hold the endoscope (e.g., arthroscope 108) in one hand and the marker deployment system 727 in the other hand, providing more overall control and efficiency in the placement of the bone marker 126.

[0052] 12, a further exemplary marker deployment system 727 is shown. The knob rotation axis 708 is coaxial with the main axis 410, and the knob 713 rotates with the inner rod 414. The handle 408 includes a free swivel 1200 coupled to the handle 408. The free swivel 1200 extends axially beyond the knob 713 and defines a proximal handle end 415. The free swivel 1200 is rotatable about the main axis 410 completely independent of the rotation of the knob 713 and the handle 408. When the knob 713 is rotated about the knob rotation axis 708, the rotation of the knob 713 causes the inner rod 414 to rotate about the main axis 410.

[0053] 13 illustrates a method of operating a marker deployment system 727, according to at least some embodiments. Specifically, the method begins (Block 1300) by engaging a bone marker 126 within an interior volume at a distal end of the marker deployment system 727, the bone marker 126 comprising a polyhedron 200, an externally threaded screw 202 extending distally from the polyhedron 200, and a retaining hole 230 having an entrance opening through a top surface of the polyhedron 200 (Block 1302); and rotating a knob 713 in a first direction about a knob rotation axis 708 to engage an internal thread 202 extending along a main axis 410 of the marker deployment system 727 from a proximal rod end 704, through a distal handle end 700 of the handle 408 and a driver tube 402 of the marker deployment system 727, to a distal rod end 706 that defines a retaining fastener 412. The method includes turning the knob 713 operatively coupled to the side rod 414 such that at least a portion of the handle 408 extends axially beyond the knob 713 to define a proximal handle end 415 (block 1304), positioning a retention fastener 412 in a retention hole 230 of the bone marker 126 in response to turning the knob 713 in a first direction, the retention fastener 412 holding the bone marker 126 in a mating relationship with the marker deployment system 727 (block 1306), positioning a distal end of the externally threaded screw 202 relative to the bone at the marker location (block 1308), and threading the externally threaded screw 202 into the bone with the marker deployment system 727 (block 1310). The exemplary method then ends (block 1312). According to one aspect, placing the retention fastener 412 within the retention hole 230 of the bone marker 126 in response to turning the knob 713 in a first direction can further include threading a distal rod thread of the retention fastener 412 into a mating relationship with the retention hole 230.

[0054] More specifically, the step of rotating the knob 713 in a first direction about the knob rotation axis 708 extending along the primary axis 410 of the marker deployment system 727 may be further defined as grasping the peripheral surface 726 of the handle 408 of the marker deployment system 727 with one hand of a user and using the user's hand to rotate the knob 713 in a first direction about the knob rotation axis 708 extending along the primary axis 410 of the marker deployment system 727.

[0055] The method may also further include rotating the knob 713 about the knob rotation axis 708 in a second direction opposite the first direction after the externally threaded screw 202 is threaded into the bone. Then, in response to rotating the knob 713 in the second direction, the retention fastener 412 is removed from within the retention hole 230. Specifically, the step of rotating the knob 713 in the second direction opposite the first direction about the knob rotation axis 708 may be further defined as grasping the peripheral surface 726 of the handle 408 of the marker deployment system 727 with one hand of a user and rotating the knob 713 about the knob rotation axis 708 in the second direction opposite the first direction using the user's hand.

[0056] After the bone marker 126 has been threaded into the bone at the marker location by the marker deployment system 727 (block 1310), the steps shown in blocks 1302-1306 can be repeated to capture and retrieve the bone marker 126. Specifically, once the bone marker 126 is in the interior volume of the distal end of the marker deployment system 727 and the retention fastener 412 is in the retention hole 230 (block 1306), the user can unthread the externally threaded screw 202 from the bone by rotating the handle 408 about the main axis 410 in a direction opposite to that used to thread the externally threaded screw 202 into the bone (e.g., in the step shown in block 1310). With the bone marker 126 retained in the marker deployment system 727, the bone marker 126 can then be removed from the surgical site.

[0057] 7 and 8, the knob rotation axis 708 is offset and parallel to the main axis 410. The inner rod 414 includes a plurality of rod teeth 712 extending radially outward therefrom and adjacent the proximal rod end 704. The knob 713 is annular shaped to define a knob opening 714 and includes a plurality of knob teeth 716 extending radially inward into the knob opening 714. The knob teeth 716 are configured to meshingly engage one or more of the plurality of rod teeth 712. Thus, the method may further include rotating the inner rod 414 about the main axis 410 in response to the knob 713 being rotated about the knob rotation axis 708.

[0058] As discussed above with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the knob rotation axis 708 is coaxial with the main shaft 410. The knob 713 rotates with the inner rod 414 and is axially movable along the handle 408. The handle 408 defines a handle cavity 718 that extends axially through the distal handle end 700 to a linear translation portion 904 that includes a plurality of handle threads 906 defined therein. The proximal rod end 704 of the inner rod 414 extends at least partially into the linear translation portion 904 of the handle cavity 718 beyond the proximal tube end 406 of the driver tube 402 and includes a plurality of proximal rod threads 908. The plurality of proximal rod threads 908 are configured to threadingly engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads 906. Thus, the method may further include simultaneously rotating the inner rod 414 about and axially translating along the main axis 410 in response to the knob 713 being rotated about the knob rotation axis 708. According to one embodiment, the proximal rod threads 908 are distinct from the plurality of handle threads 906 of the linear translation portion 904 of the handle cavity 718.

[0059] 12, the knob rotation axis 708 is coaxial with the main axis 410, and the knob 713 rotates with the inner rod 414. The handle 408 includes a free swivel 1200 coupled to the handle 408 and extending axially beyond the knob 713 to define a proximal handle end 415. Thus, the method may further include rotating the free swivel 1200 about the main axis 410 completely independent of rotation of the knob 713 and the handle 408. The method may also include rotating the inner rod 414 about the main axis 410 in response to the knob 713 being rotated about the knob rotation axis 708.

[0060] The above discussion is intended to illustrate the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be construed to include such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. a handle extending radially from the main shaft and longitudinally along the main shaft from a proximal handle end to a distal handle end; a driver tube coupled to the handle at the distal handle end and extending from the handle at the distal handle end along the main axis from the proximal tube end to a distal tube end and defining an axially extending lumen therethrough, the distal tube end configured to support a bone marker; an inner rod extending axially through the driver tube from a proximal rod end to a distal rod end, the distal rod end including a plurality of distal rod threads including a retention fastener configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker at the distal tube end; a knob operably coupled to the inner rod and rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along the main axis in a first direction to secure the bone marker and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker, wherein at least a portion of the handle extends axially beyond the knob to define the proximal handle end.

2. 2. The marker deployment system of claim 1, wherein the knob rotation axis is offset and parallel to the main axis, the inner rod includes a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob is annular shaped to define a knob opening, the knob includes a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening and configured to mesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth to rotate the inner rod about the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

3. the handle defines a handle cavity extending along the main axis, the driver tube extending axially into the handle cavity; the driver tube includes a top tube portion and a bottom tube portion and defines a gear window extending through the driver tube and into the tube bore, the gear window being disposed on the top tube portion and configured to allow the plurality of knob teeth to mesh with the one or more of the plurality of rod teeth; the handle extends radially outward to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user; the handle includes a knob support wall extending radially outward from the handle cavity to the peripheral surface of the handle proximate the distal handle end; the handle includes a tube support portion configured to extend axially away from the knob support wall, along the bottom tube portion of the driver tube, through the knob opening to define the distal handle end of the handle, and to abut at least some of the plurality of knob tines; 3. The marker deployment system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the knob and the handle is configured to hold the knob axially and to enable the user to turn the knob with the one hand and to enable rotation of the knob about the knob rotation axis.

4. 2. The marker deployment system of claim 1, wherein the knob rotation axis is coaxial with the main axis, the knob configured to rotate with an inner rod and move axially along the handle, the handle defining a handle cavity extending axially through the distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, the proximal rod end extending at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond the proximal tube end of the driver tube and including a plurality of proximal rod threads configured to threadably engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads to simultaneously cause rotation of the inner rod about the main axis and axial translation along the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

5. the driver tube extends axially partially into the handle cavity; the handle extends radially outwardly to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user; the handle includes a knob sliding portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to define a distal knob shoulder between the peripheral surface and the knob sliding portion and a proximal knob shoulder between the peripheral surface and the knob sliding portion, the distal knob shoulder configured to abut the knob at a marker-locked position of the knob, and the proximal knob shoulder configured to abut the knob at a marker-unlocked position of the knob; the knob extends radially outwardly to a third diameter greater than the first diameter, the knob is annular in shape to define a knob opening configured to surround and slidingly abut the knob sliding portion, and includes at least one knob pin extending radially inwardly; 5. The marker deployment system of claim 4, wherein the knob sliding portion defines at least one rod engaging slot, and the at least one knob pin extends through the at least one rod engaging slot and is configured to attach the knob to the inner rod and secure the inner rod for rotation with the knob, to enable the user to turn the knob with the one hand, and to provide limited axial movement of the knob as the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis and simultaneously translated axially along the major axis.

6. The marker deployment system of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of proximal rod threads are distinct from the plurality of handle threads of the linear translation portion of the handle cavity.

7. the driver tube extends axially partially into the handle cavity; the handle extends radially outwardly to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user; the handle includes a distal knob barrier extending radially inward from the peripheral surface within the handle cavity, and a proximal knob barrier extending radially inward from the peripheral surface within the handle cavity, the distal knob barrier configured to abut the knob at a marker-locked position of the knob, and the proximal knob barrier configured to abut the knob at a marker-unlocked position of the knob; the knob extends radially outward from the inner rod to a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and is configured to rotate within the handle cavity; 5. The marker deployment system of claim 4, wherein the handle defines at least one knob access window extending radially inward from the peripheral surface into the handle cavity and is configured to allow the user to turn the knob with the one hand and to provide limited axial movement of the knob as it is rotated about the knob rotation axis and simultaneously translated axially along the major axis.

8. 2. The marker deployment system of claim 1, wherein the knob rotation axis is coaxial with the main axis, the knob is configured to rotate with the inner rod, the handle includes a free swivel coupled to the handle and extending axially beyond the knob to define the proximal handle end, the free swivel is rotatable about the main axis completely independent of rotation of the knob and the handle, and when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis, rotation of the knob causes rotation of the inner rod about the main axis.

9. a handle extending radially from a main axis and longitudinally along the main axis from a proximal handle end to a distal handle end to define a proximal half of the handle adjacent the proximal handle end and a distal half of the handle adjacent the distal handle end; a driver tube coupled to the handle at the distal handle end and extending from the handle at the distal handle end along the main axis from the proximal tube end to a distal tube end and defining an axially extending lumen therethrough, the distal tube end configured to support a bone marker; an inner rod extending axially through the driver tube from a proximal rod end to a distal rod end, the distal rod end including a plurality of distal rod threads including a retention fastener configured to engage and selectively secure the bone marker at the distal tube end; a knob operably coupled to the inner rod and rotatable about a knob rotation axis extending along the major axis in a first direction to secure the bone marker and in a second direction opposite the first direction to release the bone marker, the knob disposed in the distal half of the handle.

10. 10. The marker deployment system of claim 9, wherein the knob rotation axis is offset and parallel to the main axis, the inner rod includes a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob is annular shaped to define a knob opening and includes a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening and configured to mesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth to rotate the inner rod about the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

11. 10. The marker deployment system of claim 9, wherein the knob rotation axis is coaxial with the main axis, the knob configured to rotate with the inner rod and move axially along the handle, the handle defining a handle cavity extending axially through the distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, the proximal rod end extending at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond the proximal tube end of the driver tube and including a plurality of proximal rod threads configured to threadably engage one or more of the plurality of handle threads to simultaneously cause rotation of the inner rod about the main axis and axial translation along the main axis when the knob is rotated about the knob rotation axis.

12. the driver tube extends axially partially into the handle cavity; the handle extends radially outwardly to a first diameter to a peripheral surface configured to be held in one hand of a user; the knob extends radially outward from the proximal rod end to a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and is configured to rotate within the handle cavity; 12. The marker deployment system of claim 11, wherein the handle includes at least one knob access window extending radially inward from the peripheral surface into the handle cavity and is configured to allow the user to turn the knob with the one hand and to provide limited axial movement of the knob as it is rotated about the knob rotation axis while simultaneously axially translating along the major axis.

13. 1. A method of operating a marker deployment system, comprising: embedding a bone marker within an interior volume at a distal end of the marker deployment system, the bone marker including a polyhedron, an externally threaded screw extending distally from the polyhedron, and a retention hole having an entrance opening through a top surface of the polyhedron; rotating a knob in a first direction about a knob axis of rotation, the knob being operatively coupled to an inner rod extending along a major axis of the marker deployment system from a proximal rod end, through a distal handle end of the handle and a driver tube of the marker deployment system, to a distal rod end defining a retention fastener, and at least a portion of the handle extending axially beyond the knob to define a proximal handle end; placing the retention fastener within the retention hole of the bone marker in response to turning the knob in the first direction, the retention fastener retaining the bone marker in mating relationship with the marker deployment system; positioning a distal end of the externally threaded screw relative to bone at a marker location; and screwing the externally threaded screw into the bone with the marker deployment system.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of rotating a knob in a first direction about a knob rotation axis extending along a major axis of the marker deployment system is further defined as gripping a peripheral surface of a handle of the marker deployment system with one hand of a user and using the one hand of the user to rotate a knob in the first direction about the knob rotation axis extending along the major axis of the marker deployment system.

15. After the externally threaded screw is screwed into the bone, rotating the knob about the knob axis of rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction; The method of claim 13 , further comprising: in response to turning the knob in the second direction, removing the retaining fastener from within the retaining hole.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of rotating the knob in a second direction opposite the first direction about the knob rotation axis is further defined as grasping a peripheral surface of a handle of the marker deployment system with one hand of a user and rotating the knob in the second direction opposite the first direction about the knob rotation axis using the one hand of the user.

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein in response to turning the knob in the first direction, placing the retention fastener within the retention hole of the bone marker further comprises threading distal rod threads of the retention fastener into mating relationship with internal threads of the retention hole.

18. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the knob rotation axis is offset and parallel to the major axis, the inner rod includes a plurality of rod teeth extending radially outward therefrom adjacent the proximal rod end, the knob is annular shaped to define a knob opening and includes a plurality of knob teeth extending radially inward into the knob opening and configured to mesh with one or more of the plurality of rod teeth, the method further comprising rotating the inner rod about the major axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis.

19. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the knob rotation axis is coaxial with the main axis, the knob configured to rotate with the inner rod and move axially along the handle, the handle defining a handle cavity extending axially through the distal handle end to a linear translation portion including a plurality of handle threads defined therein, the proximal rod end of the inner rod extending at least partially into the linear translation portion of the handle cavity beyond a proximal tube end of the driver tube and including a plurality of proximal rod threads configured for threaded engagement with one or more of the plurality of handle threads, the method further comprising rotating the inner rod about the main axis and simultaneously translating the inner rod axially along the main axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis.

20. the knob rotation axis is coaxial with the main shaft, the knob is configured to rotate with the inner rod, the handle includes a free swivel coupled to the handle and extending axially beyond the knob to define the proximal handle end, and the method further comprises: rotating the free swivel about the primary axis completely independent of rotation of the knob and the handle; The method of claim 13 , further comprising: rotating an inner rod about a main axis in response to the knob being rotated about the knob rotation axis.

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