Paragraph Number

184

Alternatively, or in addition, a patient-specific instrument model 462 may include other features that are part of, or cooperate with a model reference or anatomical reference. In one embodiment, the model instrument may include a feature such as a tissue engagement surface (e.g., a bone engagement surface) or a registration key that is configured to engage with the tissue in a single position and/or orientation. Thus, in certain embodiments, holes in a patient-specific instrument model 462 and/or other features such as tissue engagement surface can serve as a model reference or marker for a reference feature. Advantageously, the corresponding patient-specific instrument 406 includes the marker and/or other patient-specific features that ensure a surgeon positions the instrument in the desired location in relation to the actual anatomy of the patient during the surgical procedure.

Added by DJM Jan 2024