Low Cost Hip Navigation

About

Acetabular cups form the socket part of the ‘ball and socket’ hip replacement or hip resurfacing implant. An acetabular cup is a hemi-spherically shaped shell implant which is implanted into the pelvis and into which a spherical femoral head implant can articulate. It is vital that the acetabular cup is correctly orientated and sized, with numerous clinical trials finding that poor cup position correlates with failure of the implant. Historically surgeons have relied on their experience to correctly locate the implant. However, with the advent of improved imaging techniques, greater use is being made of pre-operative planning to help ensure correct positioning. We have patented a device and method for patient specific pre-operative planning. Avoiding the use of surgical robots, the device relies on patient image data to allow a customised hardware jig to be designed. Every patient is unique and using landmarks seen in the hip bone each jig locates against the hip socket guiding the surgeon. Rapid prototype production means each jig is disposable and not tied into a particular implant. The device IP is available for licence. When contacting us, please quote reference number 5994.