Devices and methods for hip replacement

A method, comprising:

• using at least one bone surface image to generate three dimensional data corresponding to a bone structure of a patient;
• generating a prosthesis implant image superimposed over an image of an acetabulum and positioned according to a final installation position based on the three dimensional data;
• generating a patient specific jig image superimposed over the image of the acetabulum according to the installation position, the patient specific jig image having a body with at least three alignment members at positions corresponding to the installation position of the prosthesis implant image;
• and
• generating control data from the patient specific jig image, the control data configured to control operation of a machine for making a patient-specific jig.

A method, comprising:

• positioning a first patient-specific jig in an acetabulum of a patient, the first patient-specific jig formed according to a predetermined installation position of a prosthesis implant to be secured to the patient, the first patient-specific jig having an aperture and three alignment members attached at respective positions to the first patient-specific jig corresponding to the installation position of the prosthesis implant;
• engaging each of said three alignment members to a predefined selected area of a coxal bone adjacent the acetabulum of the patient;
• positioning a guide post through the aperture of the first patient-specific jig and securing the guide post to the patient, the guide post positioned corresponding to the installation position of the prosthesis implant;
• removing the first patient-specific jig from the guide post;
• and
• reaming the acetabulum with a reaming machine, the guide post configured to guide the reaming machine in a desired position during reaming, with or without the guide post in place.

A device for use in implanting an acetabular cup having an exterior surface for being positioned against a patient and an opposing interior surface, the device comprising:

• an elongated shaft having an opening extending the length thereof;
• an enlarged impacting end having an exterior surface shaped to complement the interior surface of the acetabular cup, the impacting end having an opening extending therethrough, the opening being aligned with the opening in the elongated shaft;
• and
• a striking end, opposite the enlarged impacting end, the striking end having an opening therethrough, the opening being aligned with the opening in the elongated shaft.