[Navigation in hip joint revision endoprosthetics]

The exact anatomical and biomechanical demands of correct positioning of prostheses can be critical for hip joint revision endoprosthetics. Preoperative planning cannot always be implemented due to the intraoperative situation. The reconstruction of the hip center, the correct alignment of the acetabulum and the shaft is difficult, especially in large defect situations. An exact positioning of the implant is possible for primary hip joint replacement by computer-assisted procedures. Although the potential benefits of revision endoprosthetics make sense, there are as yet only few publications which as a rule are limited to positioning of the acetabulum. It will be possible to further optimize revision endoprosthetics by analysis of the impingement, determination of alterations in leg length, measurement of shaft antetorsion and other parameters, by additionally incorporating shaft navigation and implant data. Navigation should, however, only be understood as an aid to orientation and does not supplant lack of knowledge and experience on the side of the operator. Information on positioning of the implant must therefore come from the operator.