"I like to plan my cases before I enter the theatre so the number of decisions I need to make intraoperatively are significantly reduced."

The Value of Digital Planning For This Case

Reconstructing an arthrodesed hip carries significant risk of dislocation due to poor abductor function after years of disuse. Templating for this patient allowed the surgeon to plan the new centre of rotation, offset and leg length to best reproduce his original anatomy.  The lateral x-ray allowed him to measure the size of the acetabulum which would have required a shell of more than 80mm. He therefore planned to use augments to reduce the necessary size of acetabular shell and give him the flexibility to translate the centre of rotation anteriorly back to its original position.

The surgeon's practice includes complex primary hip replacements, revision arthroplasty and periprosthetic fracture management. He started templating from hard copy radiographs but was later introduced to digital templating. When appointed as a consultant, it was a priority for him to ensure the purchase of OrthoView at the new hospital. He feels that pre-operative planning significantly reduces the decisions needed intraoperatively and ensures the necessary implants and sizes are available in theatre beforehand. Additionally, the hospital benefits in terms of time saved in theatre, and cost savings by no longer having to print hard copy radiographs.

"The patients benefit from a shorter anaesthetic, and their centre of rotation and offset is better planned and reproduced optimising the biomechanics and likely longevity of the construct.

I see a significant number of young patients who do not tolerate leg length discrepancy. I can template the height of my osteotomy and reproduce this accurately intraoperatively."

Case Details