Surgical system and methods for stabilization and fixation of fractures, joints, and reconstructions

A method for using a targeting guide, comprising:

• providing a handle that defines a targeting hole;
• coupling a targeting pin to the handle so that a portion of the targeting pin is located within the targeting hole;
• inserting a k-wire into the targeting hole;
• coupling a targeting tower to the handle, the targeting tower defining at least a first guide hole and a second guide hole each sized and configured to receive a respective guide pin configured to indicate alignment of the k-wire when inserted through the targeting hole;
• and
• coupling the targeting tower to a targeting shaft of the targeting pin so that an inner wall of that defines a hole in the targeting tower receiving the targeting shaft includes two tabs that extend inwardly so as to be arranged in spaced-apart confronting relation to thereby provide a preferred orientation of the targeting pin.

A method for using a targeting guide, comprising:

• providing a targeting guide including a handle defining a targeting hole and including a targeting pin configured to be coupled to the handle, wherein the targeting pin defines the targeting hole, and a targeting tower configured to be coupled to the handle, the targeting tower defining at least a first guide hole and a second guide hole, wherein each of the first and second guide holes are sized and configured to receive a respective first guide pin and second guide pin therethrough, and wherein the first and second guide pins are configured to indicate alignment of a k-wire inserted through the targeting hole defined by the handle, the targeting tower further including an opening sized and configured to slideably couple the targeting tower to a targeting shaft of the targeting pin, wherein the an inner wall of the targeting tower that defines the opening includes two tabs that extend inwardly so as to be arranged in spaced-apart confronting relation to thereby provide a preferred orientation of the targeting pin;
• positioning the targeting guide adjacent to a target site;
• inserting a first guide pin through the first guide hole and a second guide pin through the second guide hole;
• aligning the first guide pin and the second guide pin with one or more structures at the target site;
• aligning the first guide pin and the second guide pin with the targeting hole;
• and
• inserting a guide element through the targeting hole into at least a first bone portion and a second bone portion at the target site.