Method and apparatus for providing a relative location indication during a surgical procedure

A method of providing a relative location indication during a surgical procedure, the method comprising the steps of:

• arranging an orthopedic guidewire into a predetermined configuration with respect to a bone surface, the orthopedic guidewire including an elongate guidewire body having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guidewire ends, and an engaging feature located at the distal guidewire end and configured to selectively engage the bone surface, the guidewire body having at least one of a variable diameter and a variable stiffness along a portion of the guidewire body spaced apart from the engaging feature;
• placing the engaging feature into contact with the bone surface according to the predetermined configuration;
• engaging the bone surface with the engaging feature;
• maintaining the guidewire in the predetermined configuration for a desired time period;
• utilizing the guidewire as a relative location indicator during at least another step of the surgical procedure, the guidewire being maintained in engagement with the bone surface during the at least another step of the surgical procedure;
• and
• disengaging the engaging feature from the bone surface to release the guidewire from the bone surface.