Optical shape sensing for instrument tracking in orthopedics

An optical shape sensing system, comprising:

• an optical shape sensing module configured to receive feedback from one or more optical shape sensing fibers;
• one or more instruments having at least one optical shape sensing fiber connected thereto, the optical shape sensing fiber being employed to positionally track the instrument in an operating environment;
• a position response module configured to provide feedback to an operator based on position or orientation of the instrument to guide usage of the instrument based on a surgical plan;
• and
• an anatomical map included in a region of the operating environment wherein positions of the one or more instruments are tracked relative to the anatomical map.

A method for tracking instruments using optical shape sensing, comprising:

• securing an optical shape sensing fiber to an instrument, the optical shape sensing fiber being connected to the instrument and configured to identify a position of the instrument;
• registering position of the instrument relative to a stored image of an operating environment;
• receiving feedback from the optical shape sensing fiber to determine a current position;
• and
• guiding use of the instrument based upon the position and orientation of the instrument.