Surgical methods and instruments for implanting a joint unloading system

A method of implanting a device at a knee joint, the method comprising:

• inserting a first reference marker into a first bone of the joint;
• inserting a second reference marker into a second bone of the joint;
• connecting the first and second reference markers to a verification tool;
• moving the joint through a predetermined range of motion and utilizing the verification tool to determine whether the first and second reference markers move in a desired kinematic pattern with respect to one another throughout the predetermined range of motion;
• aligning the first and second bones and placing an alignment guide across the joint;
• using the alignment guide to properly position the device, including aligning an indicator rod of the alignment guide to be parallel with a tibia and inserting said reference markers through the alignment guide;
• relocating one of the reference markers if the desired kinematic pattern is not achieved;
• removing the first and second reference markers;
• and
• implanting the device across the joint.