System and method for computer-aided surgical navigation implementing 3d scans

A method of implanting a prosthesis in patient undergoing a joint arthroplasty using a surgical navigation system, wherein the surgical navigation system comprises:

• a handheld surgical tool with computer-aided navigation, wherein the handheld surgical tool comprises a handle and an instrument shaft;
• a graphical user interface (GUI) module executed by a computing device, wherein the GUI module comprises a computing device and a visual display that is configured to indicate the location of the handheld surgical tool;
• and
• an imaging device;
• the method comprising:
• exposing the joint of the joint arthroplasty;
• recording an image data of the anatomy of the joint, or a portion thereof, using the imaging device;
• generating a three-dimensional image or contour of the anatomy of the joint, or the portion thereof, using the GUI module;
• engaging the handheld surgical tool with the one or more anatomic features on the joint and recording orientation of the handheld surgical tool during the engagement;
• registering the orientation of the handheld surgical tool relative to the orientation of the joint;
• displaying one or more of the three-dimension image or contour, the orientation of the handheld surgical tool, and a predetermined target orientation for the handheld surgical tool, on the visual display;
• and
• implanting the prosthesis using the handheld surgical tool and the visual display, wherein the orientation of the handheld surgical tool is adjusted according to the predetermined target orientation for the handheld surgical tool.