OrthAlign Expands its Lantern Hip Platform

OrthAlign Inc. has expanded its Lantern Hip platform to include support for posterior-based approaches in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The enhancement significantly broadens the platform’s clinical utility, enabling surgeons to choose Lantern Hip for any THA procedure, regardless of their clinical preference for patient position (lateral or supine), according to the company.

With the majority of U.S. hip surgeons operating through posterior-based approaches, this new software expands access to Lantern’s handheld, imageless navigation technology. Lantern Hip initially launched for the supine patient position in 2023 and soon will be fully commercially available for the lateral patient position.

“By accommodating posterior-based surgical approaches, OrthAlign now has the ability to support any surgeon performing total hip arthroplasty,” OrthAlign CEO Eric Timko stated. “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering high-value, user-friendly technologies that improve accuracy and accessibility for surgeons everywhere.”

Lantern Hip aims to deliver precise, real-time guidance that supports accurate implant positioning and reliable leg length restoration. For patients in the lateral position, the surgeon can personalize cup position in the coronal plane according to each patient’s unique anatomy, with live pelvic tracking that accounts for any pelvic movement during the procedure. Additionally for patients in the supine position, the surgeon can compare cup position across the Anterior Pelvic Plane (APP) and Functional Pelvic Plane (FPP), as well as measure change in offset.

The first clinical case using the new “lateral” workflow was successfully completed on Dec. 16 by Dr. John McLaughlin, an orthopedic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic.

“The addition of posterior-based approaches to Lantern Hip is an important step forward in supporting surgeon choice without compromising accuracy. In my first case, the system provided the same intuitive workflow and confidence in implant positioning that Lantern is known for. Having a compact, reliable navigation tool that adapts to my preferred surgical approach and implant enhances both efficiency in the OR and consistency for my patients,” Dr. McLaughlin said.

Lantern Hip is an accessible option for any hospital or ASC. Its capital-free model and portable design, paired with its clinical accuracy and precision, make it an attractive alternative to large-footprint robots, OrthAlign bigwigs claim. Its instrumentation is compatible with most implant systems and surgical approaches, empowering surgeons to choose the best implant and surgical plan for each patient without vendor-imposed restrictions.

OrthAlign is a medical device company with a focus on delivery practical, cutting-edge technologies for orthopedic surgery. The Irvine, Calif.-based company provides surgeons with user-friendly, cost-effective solutions to improve patient care in joint replacement.