System for selecting modular implant components

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to modular components for prosthetic joints. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for selecting modular neck components for prosthetic hip joints.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is an image of a proximal femur, further showing a portion of a template of a known system overlaid on the image;

#FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

#The present invention generally provides a method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used, which advantageously provides an intuitive system for the surgeon both preoperatively and during surgery.

#Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart illustrating steps of method 100 is shown and includes several steps beginning with step 102. Step 102 includes preparing a patient (not shown) for the surgical procedure, e.g., collecting information and past medical history. In step 104, the surgeon or a surgeon's assistant will acquire at least one image of the appropriate portion of the hip region of the patient, e.g., at least a portion of the femur and the hip joint. The image may be a radiographic image such as an X-ray image or fluoroscopic image, for example, or, alternatively, a computed tomography (CT) image, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), or any other suitable image. Typical images for a hip replacement procedure may be taken along two different directions. For example, anterior/posterior (A/P) and lateral pelvic images may be taken of the hip joint.