Connection method for MEMS navigation unit for computer-assisted surgery

A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) navigation assembly comprises a micro-electromechanical sensor (MEMS) navigation unit having one or more MEMS to provide at least orientation data. A support receives 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. At least two mating ball-in-socket features are 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 at least two 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. A method of connecting a MEMS navigation unit with a mating support fixed to a CAS instrument navigated by the CAS system is also provided.