The disclosed devices and methods relate to fixing (i.e., positioning) a multiaxial reference sensor (e.g., inclinometer(s) and compass sensor) or a mechanical guide to the skeletal anatomy in a known orientation, and then utilizing this reference sensor or mechanical guide to position instrumentation and/or implants with a second multiaxial positioning sensor or via a guide rod that provides spatial positioning information relative to the reference sensor or skeletally fixed references.
