Hip resurfacing with individualized drill templates—comparison between anterolateral and posterior approach

Background Patient specific drill guides for the placement of the femoral central pin during hip resurfacing can provide surgeons with an accurate instrument comparable to conventional computer-assisted hip resurfacing solutions. Methods We tested the feasibility and accuracy of the use of individualized templates in a series of 31 patients undergoing hip resurfacing. The anterolateral approach was used in 20 patients and the posterior approach in 11 patients. Results Our results showed the size of the errors were slightly smaller for the posterior approach compared with the anterolateral approach. There were differences in the direction of the mean errors between approaches. In the anterolateral approach, we measured average errors in valgus and retroversion. Results from the posterior approach showed average errors in varus and anteversion. Conclusions The template was accurate and showed precision guidance placement, regardless of the approach used.