Correct component positioning in hip resurfacing is a key determinant for a successful outcome. The aim of the study was to compare the radiographic and perioperative clinical parameters between navigated and non-navigated resurfacing groups and to look at the effect of navigation on the learning curve.

Pre and post operative radiographs were analyzed with respect to neck-shaft angle, implant-shaft angle, notching, lateral position, and cup inclination. The target implant position was to place the femoral component in relative valgus to the neck-shaft angle using the smallest component without notching the femoral neck. The target cup position was 40–45 degrees inclination. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the two groups with respect to implant position, complications and differences between experienced verses inexperienced surgeons.

Data was recorded for 51 patients (24 navigated, 27 conventional). There was no significant difference in implant-shaft angle or presence of notching between the two groups. There were two cases of notching in the non-navigated cohort. Lateral positioning (central placement stem, centering component on shaft) was significantly more accurate for the navigated cases (P< 0. 001). There was no significant difference in cup inclination between the two groups. In the non-navigated group three patients were converted to a total hip replacement (one fracture, one impingement pain, one intra-operative notching) and there was 1 case of medial wall fracture of the acetabulum. There was a 14.8% complication rate for the non-navigated group with no complications in the navigated group. Complications experienced 2.6% vs. training 17.4%. Training navigated 0% vs Training non-navigated 30%; Experienced nav 0% vs. experienced non-navigated 5.5%.

Positioning of the femoral component in the lateral plane and A-P head-neck ratios is significantly more accurate with the use of computer navigation. Navigation allows for a relative valgus implant-shaft angle that is as accurate as conventional jigs. Navigation is useful as a teaching tool with a reduction in the learning curve and better radiographic placement of components.