For custom aesthetic hip implants, the dimensions are driven more by the patient’s pelvic width, soft-tissue thickness, and desired silhouette than by a standard size. Typical design ranges I have used are:
|
Parameter |
Typical Range |
|
Vertical length |
16–22 cm |
|
Maximum width |
10–14 cm |
|
Maximum projection |
1.5–2.5 cm |
|
Edge thickness |
Feathered to near zero |
|
Superior pole thickness |
20–50% greater than inferior pole |
Small Hip Augmentation
- Length: 14–16 cm
- Width: 6–8 cm
- Projection: 1.0- 1.5 cm
- Goal: soften hip dip
Moderate Hip Augmentation
- Length: 16–19 cm
- Width: 8–10 cm
- Projection: 1.5–2.0 cm
- Goal: athletic hourglass shape
Large Hip Augmentation
- Length: 18–22 cm
- Width: 10–12 cm
- Projection: 2.0–3.0 cm
- Goal: dramatic lateral pelvic widening
Preferred Cross-Section
Rather than a hemispheric profile, a crescent/teardrop cross-section usually looks more natural:
Superior
______
/ \
/ \
| | <- maximal thickness
\ /
\_______/
Inferior taper
Design Ratios
A useful starting point:
- Length : Width ? 2:1
- Projection ? 20–30% of width
- Superior thickness ? 1.3–1.5 × inferior thickness
For example, a common female aesthetic implant might be:
- Length = 18 cm
- Width = 9 cm
- Maximum projection = 2.8 cm
- Superior projection = 2.8 cm
- Inferior projection = 1.8 cm
CAD Design Rule
The implant should:
- Begin just below the iliac crest.
- End above the greater trochanter.
- Have its point of maximum projection centered in the upper-middle third.
- Taper smoothly into the lateral thigh.
For a truly custom design from CT, I typically start by measuring:
- Iliac crest to greater trochanter distance.
- Existing hip dip depth.
- Desired increase in bi-trochanteric width.
- Soft tissue thickness over the lateral pelvis.
Those four measurements usually determine about 90% of the final implant dimensions.