Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for use in surgical hip replacement procedures for ensuring that the replacement hip joint components are properly sized so that the resulting length of the patient's leg is correct. In the procedure, when the acetabulum and femur are exposed, one end of a flexible measuring cable is attached to the superior eminence of the acetabulum and the cable is extended inferiorly so that it is aligned with a specific point on the femur, preferably the lesser trochanter. The selected point on the femur is marked and the scaling or marking indicator carried by the flexible cable is positioned in relation thereto. After this reference distance between the fixed points on the acetabulum and the femur is determined, the flexible cable is moved out of the way while its end remains fixed to the acetabulum. Thereafter, the total hip arthroplasty procedure continues in the usual fashion with the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis and the femur is prepared to receive the femoral implant. After the femur is prepared, trial femoral implants are installed to determine the proper fit with the femoral canal. In accordance with the present invention, the cable may again be extended between the fixed point on the superior eminence of the acetabulum and the marked point of the femur and greater or lesser length femoral neck components may be selected until the correct length is achieved.

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First Claim