Connection method for mems navigation unit for computer-assisted surgery

A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) navigation assembly adapted for navigating an instrument, the navigation assembly comprising:

• a micro-electromechanical sensor (MEMS) navigation unit having one or more MEMS to provide at least orientation data;
• a support including a receptacle receiving the MEMS navigation unit therein, the support being adapted to be mounted on the instrument in a fixed orientation relative to established navigated features of the instrument;
• and
• one or more connection devices connecting and aligning the MEMS navigation unit and the support, the connection devices including a pair of spaced apart mating ball-in-socket features disposed between the MEMS navigation unit and the support at opposed ends thereof for releasably engaging the MEMS navigation unit in precise orientational alignment within the receptacle, the mating ball-in-socket features comprising catches aligned along an axis extending between the opposed ends, at least one of the catches being a biased catch, and the catches being received within respective sockets formed within the MEMS navigation unit or the support.