Methods, systems and data processing apparatus and methods are described
for use in planning and carrying out a surgical procedure on a joint of a
subject. The joint includes a first component and a second component, the
first and second components being relatively movable. Joint data
describing the configuration of the joint is captured while the joint is
in a functional state wherein the joint is undergoing its usual load
bearing functional behaviour. The joint data is analyzed to determine
joint component orientation data specifying the relative orientation of
the first and second components. The orientation of prosthetic implants
to be used in the surgical procedure to recreate the joint is planned
using the joint component orientation data. The planned orientation of
the prosthetic implants improves the recreation of the functional state
of the joint.