Accuracy and reliability of digital templating in primary total hip arthroplasty.

Digital templating has been used as a method of reducing hospital costs by eliminating the need for acetate films. Digital templating techniques have been used for preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Fifty-four patients who underwent THA were selected for the study. Templating was performed using acetate templating overlays and digital templating software. Acetabular component sizes were accurate in 96% of patients using the acetate method and in 93% using the digital method. Femoral component sizes were accurate in 80% in the acetate method and 74% in the digital method. Digital templating is safe and effective for preoperative planning for THA.