Method for recording probe movement and determining an extent of matter removed

A method for determining an extent of matter removed from a targeted anatomical structure, the method including:

• acquiring an initial representation of a targeted anatomical structure, wherein the targeted anatomical structure is an intervertebral disc disposed in an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies;
• removing matter from the targeted anatomical structure with a cutting tool;
• after removing the matter with the cutting tool, navigating an instrument other than the cutting tool within the targeted anatomical structure, wherein the instrument includes a tracking array and is a probing tool;
• determining a relative position of a tip and shaft of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure via the tracking array;
• recording the relative position of the tip and shaft of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure to determine a final representation of the targeted anatomical structure;
• determining the extent of matter removed from the targeted anatomical structure by comparing the initial representation of the targeted anatomical structure with the final representation of the targeted anatomical structure, wherein the final representation of the targeted anatomical structure is determined by recording a path travelled by the shaft and the tip of the instrument in the intervertebral space after removing the matter.