Acetabular template component and method of using same during hip arthrosplasty

An apparatus for use during surgery on a pelvis of a patient, the apparatus comprising:

• a template having a first surface shaped to mate with an outer surface of an acetabulum of the patient, where the first surface is configured such that the template fits to the acetabulum in a single orientation;
• and
• a directional guide vane adapted for attachment to the template, where the directional guide vane
• provides a visual indication of a direction in space relative to the pelvis when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation, and
• is adjustable relative to the template for altering the direction indicated by the directional guide vane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation.

A template for use during surgery on a pelvis of a patient, the template comprising:

• a first surface shaped to mate with an outer surface of an acetabulum of the patient, where the first surface is configured such that the template fits to the acetabulum in a single orientation;
• and
• means for attaching a directional guide vane to the template, where the directional guide vane
• provides a visual indication of a direction in space relative to the pelvis, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation, and
• is adjustable relative to the template for altering the direction indicated by the directional guide vane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation.

An apparatus for use during surgery on a pelvis of a patient, the apparatus comprising:

• a template having a first surface shaped to mate with an outer surface of an acetabulum of the patient, where the first surface is configured such that the template fits to the acetabulum in a single orientation;
• means for defining a plane relative to the pelvis, the defining means attachable to the template;
• and
• a guide vane adapted for attachment to the defining means, the guide vane
• providing a visual indication of a direction in space relative to the plane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation, and
• adjustable relative to the template for altering the direction indicated by the guide vane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation.

An apparatus for use during surgery on a pelvis of a patient, the apparatus comprising:

• a template having a first surface shaped to mate with an outer surface of an acetabulum of the patient, where the first surface is configured such that the template fits to the acetabulum in a single orientation;
• and
• means, utilizing the template, for defining a plane relative to the pelvis;
• and
• a directional guide vane attached to the template, where the directional guide vane
• provides a visual indication of a direction in space relative to the plane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation, and
• is adjustable relative to the template for altering the direction indicated by the directional guide vane, when the template is fitted to the acetabulum in the single orientation.