Digital templating for THA: a simple computer-assisted application for complex hip arthritis cases.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the standard procedure for end-stage arthritis of the hip. Its technical success relies on preoperative planning of the surgical procedure and virtual setup of the operative performance. Digital hip templating is one methodology of preoperative planning for THA which requires a digital preoperative radiograph and a computer with special software.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study involving 23 patients (25 hips) who were candidates for complex THA surgery (unilateral or bilateral). Digital templating is done by radiographic assessment using radiographic magnification correction, leg length discrepancy and correction measurements, acetabular component and femoral component templating as well as neck resection measurement.

RESULTS: The overall accuracy for templating the stem implant's exact size is 81%. This percentage increased to 94% when considering sizing within 1 size.

CONCLUSION: Digital templating has proven effective, reliable and essential technique for preoperative planning and accurate prediction of THA sizing and alignment.