[Thoughts on the use of mechatronic implantation aids in minimal approaches in hip prostheses]

A new concept of THR surgery is presented: A combination of limited surgical approach, intraoperative digitizing, and use of a semi-active robot shows the important advantage of easy registration, reproducible positioning of surgical instruments, and less invasive surgery. Using this system originally designed for accurate socket implantation, it will be possible to perform total THR in the future. For preoperative planning, we are currently investigating the use of biplanar digital radiographics with transformation into a 3D-model in order to avoid CT scans in the pelvic area.