A marker for use with a surgical navigation system for tracking the tissue with which the marker is associated. The overall dimensions of the mark is such that it is shaped to be disposed below the skin of the patient in which the marker is implanted. The marker has a stem that allows the marker to be implanted in hard tissue such as bone. A head, containing navigation system components is located above the stem or spike. The stem is formed with a section of reduced tensile strength. Once the procedure is completed, a force is applied to the marker. The force breaks the stem at the separation zone. This allows the portion of the marker above the separation zone to be removed.
