One embodiment of a sterile networked interface system is provided comprising a hand-held surgical tool and a data processing system. The surgical tool includes a sensor for sensing a physical variable related to the surgery, a wireless communication unit to transmit the physical variable to the data processing system, and a battery for powering the hand-held surgical tool. The surgical tool sends the physical variable and orientation information responsive to a touchless gesture control and predetermined orientation of the surgical tool. Other embodiments are disclosed.