Design of custom hip stem prostheses using three-dimensional CT modeling.

Long life expectancy, demand for high activity levels, and bone loss at the time of revision motivate the search for reliable and successful noncemented hip stem designs. It is hypothesized that improved implant fit may increase the longevity of noncemented total joints. Quantitative X-ray CT has enabled the use of a computerized stem design program, which designs an optimal-fit hip stem for individual femurs. Computed tomography and interactive image processing methods are used to generate the individual three-dimensional femoral models, which are used by the stem design program. Optimal-fit design provides maximum stem-bone contact while satisfying the requirement of being surgically insertable. Previous methods of custom implant design, including those that use three-dimensional CT modeling, have not provided optimal stem-bone fit. Quantitative results of this new process are presented.