Introduction: Preservation surgery of the hip with open or arthroscopic approach has always been challenging as complex 3-D anatomy and limited surgical access make intraoperative evaluation difficult. Recent advances in computer technology offer a wide range of innovative solutions with a goal to improve accuracy and safety of corrective procedures on human joints.
Method: The author critically reviews currently available literature in the field of computer assistance in hip preservation surgery. Basic features of unique planning software and navigation surgical system used in treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia are introduced.
Results: Currently available software provides preoperative identification of hip deformity on CT-based 3-D model and planning of the surgical correction using kinematic protocols. Real-time intraoperative 3-D orientation is possible, and execution of surgical correction can be performed either with navigation of surgical tools or with printed templates. Computer assistance in hip preservation surgery is in the developing phase. First clinical experiences of its use in treatment of femoroacetabular impingement, hip dysplasia, hip tumors, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head are promising.
Conclusion: Computer assistance has been applied for treatment of several hip disorders. Technical advances are suggested and quality basic studies and clinical trials are encouraged for the novel technology to become more user friendly and widely accepted.
Keywords: Computer assistance; Hip; Hip arthroscopy; Navigation; Periacetabular osteotomy; Planning.