An identification system for surgical navigation is described. The navigation system contains an instrument assembly containing a coil (of a receiver) having an interior space, an instrument configured to be removably coupled to the coil, and a prong affixed to the instrument and configured to be at least partially disposed within the interior space of the coil when the instrument is coupled to the coil. The prong can have a length corresponding to the physical dimensions of the instrument. The navigation system can also contain a transmitter located within the body of a patient. The navigation system can be used to identify interchangeable instruments. Other embodiments are described.
