Digital templating in total hip arthroplasty.

Preoperative templating for total hip arthroplasty requires precision and accuracy. The current method of acetate overlays is subject to errors in magnification. Digital radiography permits the use of software programs that calculate the x-ray magnification with precision and then adjust the templates to match the exact magnification. A reproducible set of steps is described that allows a surgeon to preoperatively template in the digital environment.