Cannulated screw length measurement gauge

A surgical procedure method for determining a screw length with a depth gauge device including a tube having a guidewire channel and a measurement rod channel, the measurement rod channel having a greater cross sectional area than the guidewire channel, and a measurement rod adjustably positioned within the measurement rod channel, the measurement rod including a plurality of indicators along its length, wherein an interface between the measurement rod channel and the measurement rod maintains a set positioning of the measurement rod in the absence of applied force, the method comprising:

• inserting a guidewire into a bone to a desired depth;
• positioning the depth gauge device over the guidewire such that the guidewire is inserted within the guidewire channel;
• translating the depth gauge device over the guidewire until the depth gauge device contacts the bone, wherein translating the depth gauge device causes applied force via the guidewire to force a portion of the measurement rod out of the measurement rod channel;
• removing the depth gauge device from the bone;
• and
• determining the screw length by observing a value of one of the measurement rod indicators, wherein the observed indicator value is equal to the desired depth of the guidewire in the bone.