Targeting device for orthopedic implants

An apparatus for positioning a targeting device adjacent a medical implant which has at least one aperture therein for receiving a bone fastener, comprising:

• a handle portion;
• a flanged portion mounted on a distal end of a handle for contacting the implant, said flanged portion having an aperture alignable with the at least one aperture in the implant, said flanged portion having a locking element formed thereon for lockingly engaging a corresponding locking element on the implant upon relative movement between said flanged portion and the implant;
• a pivot element mounted on said handle adjacent said flanged portion for pivoting movement into and out of engagement with the implant;
• and
• an actuation element on said handle operatively connected to said pivot element and moveable from a first position where said pivot element is out of engagement with the implant to a second position where said pivot element engages the implant to produce said relative movement between said flange and the implant causing engagement of said locking elements.

A method for attaching a targeting device to a medical implant having at least one aperture therein for receiving a bone fastener comprising:

• placing a surface of the implant in contact with the bone;
• coupling a flanged portion of a handle which includes a targeting device mounted thereon to the implant by placing the flange portion on an outer surface of the implant opposite the surface contacting bone;
• engaging a fixed locking element on said flanged portion with a fixed locking element on said implant;
• locking the flanged portion to the implant by moving the flanged portion along said outer surface relative to the implant;
• and
• using the targeting device to drill a hole in the bone for receiving the bone fastener.