Pedicle marker

An orthopedic method comprising:

• providing at least one pedicle marker each comprising:
• an elongated tubular body comprising a proximal end configured to receive a guide-wire or a Kirschner-wire and a distal end through which the guide-wire or the Kirschner-wire is configured to exit, the elongated tubular body extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and
• a plug enclosing the elongated tubular body, the plug being located at an extremity of the proximal end of the elongated tubular body of a respective one of the at least one pedicle marker, the plug comprising at least one groove or depression extending around a body of the plug and configured to receive a surgical tool when the respective one of the at least one pedicle marker is positioned in a respective pedicle screw passage formed in a respective pedicle,
• the elongated tubular body including an external surface that is non-threaded at least from the plug to the distal end,
• the plug being configured to temporarily seal the respective pedicle screw passage before a pedicle screw is positioned inside the respective pedicle screw passage in place of the respective one of the at least one pedicle marker,
• the plug being attached immobile and non-displaceable on the elongated tubular body,
• the plug being located at a distance from the distal end of the elongated tubular body of the respective one of the at least one pedicle marker, the plug being configured to seal the respective pedicle screw passage formed in the respective pedicle when a portion of the elongated tubular body extending between the distal end of the elongated tubular body and the plug is fully positioned inside the respective pedicle screw passage,
• the plug further comprising
• a distal section having a width or a diameter configured to seal or close the respective pedicle screw passage formed in the respective pedicle, and
• a landing radially protruding outwards and away from the body of the plug, the landing being disposed between the distal section of the plug and the at least one groove or depression, the body of the plug extending to inwardly taper between the landing and the at least one groove or depression;
• boring the respective pedicle screw passage into the respective pedicle;
• inserting the respective one of the pedicle marker into said respective pedicle screw passage so that the plug of the respective one of the at least one pedicle marker closes or plugs the respective pedicle screw passage;
• inserting a guide-wire or a Kirschner-wire through the respective one of the pedicle marker into said respective pedicle screw passage in the respective pedicle;
• and
• guiding the respective one of the pedicle marker away from the respective pedicle and along the guide-wire or the Kirschner-wire to remove the respective one of the pedicle marker.