[Custom design of hip joint prostheses based on X-ray films]

A novel method for the design of hip joint prostheses based on X-ray films is introduced. Only arcs and straight-lines form figures of hip joint prostheses. Because geometrical tolerances of manufacturing hip joint prostheses matching section are usually not strict, hip joint prostheses can be manufactured without CNC machine tool. Three hip joint prostheses for three different femurs were designed through a program which was developed by the present authors. Approximate marrow cavities of these femurs were simulated according to a standard database about femur. These models of femur marrow cavities were used to verify the hip joint prostheses designed. These hip joint prostheses designed were manufactured and implanted into femurs respectively. Experimental results indicate that the novel method for the design of hip joint prostheses is practicable.