A surgical instrument typically used in pairs to facilitate correct cranial orientation of craniofacial implants (e.g., fixation plates being attached to jaw bones) and other devices (e.g., craniofacial distractors) during their application in craniofacial surgery. It is typically designed as a long, thin, rigid rod made of high-grade stainless steel or titanium alloy with connectors at either end for attachment to the devices being aligned; it may have a knurled mid section (to provide better grip) onto which other instruments can be locked to assist the orientation procedure. This is a reusable device.