Howmedica and WSU have teamed up to improve hip replacement surgery

A local doctor has developed a device that references specific landmarks of the pelvis. Using these landmarks (namely the ASIS and greater sciatic notch), the acetabular component can be correctly positioned consistently. Although the device has already been proven as a reliable concept in the operating room, it

is still unknown how the device settings affect the acetabular component orientation. WSU has derived the relationships between the device settings and the component orientation. The results are presented in an easy-to-use software.

Project Stages:• Confirm past pelvic statistical data• Develop a device kinematics model• Derive solution to kinematics model

• Every year, 7% of all hip replacements result in dislocation. Of these dislocations, about half are caused by improper orientation of the replacement hip socket (the acetabular component).

• It is very difficult for a hip surgeon to consistently orient the acetabular component. In fact, surgeons use past experience and make their “best guess” in order to orient the acetabular component.

• Proper placement of the acetabular component could potentially save the healthcare industry in over 10 million dollars every year, not to mention avoiding additional patient discomfort.