Devices, systems, and methods of tracking anatomical features

A method of tracking anatomical features of a patient, comprising:

• introducing a first implantable magnetic sensor into a patient's body;
• fixedly securing the first implantable magnetic sensor to a first portion of a first anatomical feature of the patient;
• and
• monitoring a strength of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic source positioned outside the patient's body with the first implantable magnetic sensor in order to track a position of the first implantable magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic source.

A method comprising:

• gaining minimally invasive access to a first bony anatomical feature;
• introducing at least one implantable device containing a permanent magnet into a patient's body through the minimally invasive access;
• threadingly engaging a housing of the at least one implantable device with the first bony anatomical feature through the minimally invasive access;
• closing the minimally invasive access to the first bony anatomical feature with the at least one implantable device threadingly engaged with the first bony anatomical feature;
• and
• monitoring a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet contained by the at least one implantable device with a magnetic sensing system positioned outside the patient's body in order to track a position of the at least one implantable device threadingly engaged with the first bony anatomical feature.