Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component

A surgical system for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, the apparatus comprising:

• an image scanner that, in use, generates pre-operative images of at least a portion of a glenoid surface;
• a data processor that generates a glenoid surface model based on spatial position data obtained from the preoperative images of a first area of the glenoid surface;
• and
• wherein the glenoid surface model provides a thickness in a medio-lateral direction of a portion of the glenoid component corresponding to a second area of the glenoid surface.

A surgical system for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, the surgical system comprising:

• position-finding means for spatially locating a scapula of a patient being operated on;
• mapping means for mapping a surface of the scapula;
• modeling means for obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from cartographic data of the surface of the scapula supplied by the mapping means,
• first means for determining the spatial position of a lower reference point for implanting the glenoid component from the cartographic data of the surface of the scapula obtained at a location spaced away from a worn area of the glenoid by the mapping means, and
• means for obtaining a spatial implantation configuration of the glenoid component from at least the theoretical glenoid surface and the lower reference point.