Computer Simulation for the Planning of Total Hip Replacement: Improvement of the Simulation System

Summary

We have already developed a system using computerized tomography (CT) and computer simulation for estimating the optimal size and position of the socket in total hip replacement [1]. We have now improved the system, in that CT images are input not by a digitizer but by a TV camera. It takes only 10–15 min to complete the simulation in the new system. Another benefit is that the socket images are overlapped not on the contours of the acetabulum but on its real CT images. Therefore, we can easily distinguish whether sclerotic subchondral bone or soft cancellous bone contacts the socket after reaming. The new system is time-saving and provides us with more accurate preoperative information; it can easily be used routinely, supporting the surgeon’s intraoperative visual assessments.