Preparing Implant Files for Upload to the VPOP® PRO Implant Tool
Overview
This guide explains how implant manufacturers should prepare, structure, upload, review and, where required, correct implant files for release into the VPOP® PRO Implant Tool.
Correct file preparation is essential. Implant files that do not meet the required structure may not display correctly in VPOP® PRO and may be returned for correction before release.
Before uploading implants, please review the following tutorial videos:
DXF File Structure for Implant Uploads to the VPOP Platform:
VPOP Implant Tool – Creating an Implant Request, Variants, Views and the Playground Tutorial
VPOP Implant Tool – Inviting a User, Roles and Access Setup
1. File Format Requirements
All implant files submitted to the VPOP® PRO Implant Tool must be provided in DXF format.
The submitted files must meet the following standards:
Requirement
Standard
File format
.dxf only
Units
Millimetres
DXF header
Include $INSUNITS = 4 to denote millimetres
Views
One orthographic view per file
Layers
Use the required layer structure
Content
No scales, labels, text or unnecessary annotations
Geometry
Continuous closed paths only
Nodes
Use the minimum number of nodes possible
Files that do not meet these requirements may be returned for correction before review.
2. Required Implant Orientation
Each implant view must be positioned correctly before upload.
Please ensure that:
The implant is placed horizontally.
The head / larger end of the implant is positioned on the left.
Each DXF file contains only one implant view.
The implant is not rotated vertically, diagonally or at an angle.
The view corresponds to the correct upload tab in the Implant Tool.
This orientation is important because the handle within the VPOP® PRO application is positioned perpendicular to the implant. Incorrect orientation may affect how the implant appears and behaves during surgical planning.
3. Required Views
For most implants, VPOP® PRO requires at least two views:
View
Requirement
Top view
Required for most implants
Front view
Required for most implants
Each view must be uploaded as a separate DXF file into the correct tab during the implant upload process.
TPLO Front View Requirement
For TPLO implants, the front view should display the implant as a side view and should be presented cranial-to-caudal.
4. DXF Layer Structure
Each DXF file must be structured using the correct layers.
The required layers are:
Layer
Purpose
Requirement
Solid
Defines the outer boundary of the implant
Must contain the outer implant boundary only
Outlines
Shows visible implant detail
Includes visible edges, holes and implant linework
Guides
Used for screw trajectories or auxiliary guide features
Required when screw trajectories are included
Recommended layer names:
Solid
Outlines
Guides
Please avoid alternative layer names such as:
Layer 1
Outline Layer
Guide Lines
Implant Solid
Screw Guides
Layer naming should be kept simple and consistent.
5. Implants Without Screw Trajectories
If the implant does not include screw trajectories, the DXF file should contain two key layers:
Outlines Layer
The Outlines
layer should include all visible implant details, including:
Implant edges
Holes ( screws and temporary K-wire holes)
Internal visible geometry
Linework required for accurate visualisation
Each element must be a continuous closed path.
Solid Layer
The Solid layer should define only the outer boundary of the implant.
It must be a single continuous closed path representing the implant’s external shape.
6. Implants With Screw Trajectories
If the implant includes screw trajectories, the DXF file should contain three layers:
Guides Layer
The Guides layer should contain all screw trajectory guide paths.
Each screw trajectory should be a separate guide path, but all guide paths must remain within the same Guides layer.
Outlines Layer
The Outlines layer should contain continuous closed paths representing the visible implant details, including:
Implant edges
Screw holes
Slots
Internal linework
Visible implant features
Solid Layer
The Solid layer must contain only one closed path defining the outer boundary of the implant.
7. Path Requirements
VPOP® PRO does not support implant drawings made from unjoined or fragmented paths.
All paths must be created as continuous, closed elements.
Correct Path Behaviour
When an implant element is selected in your design software, the full element should move as one object.
Incorrect Path Behaviour
If selecting the implant causes it to break apart into multiple separate lines, fragments or segments, the paths are not correctly joined and must be corrected before upload.
Do Not Include
Please do not include:
Open paths
Loose line segments
Single stray nodes
Duplicate lines
Unjoined geometry
Non-essential construction lines
Text labels
Scales
Filled artwork that is not correctly converted into paths
8. Screw Holes and Screw Trajectories
Screw holes and screw trajectories must be prepared carefully.
Please ensure that:
The number of screw trajectories matches the number of screw holes.
Holes are truly circular.
Holes are not polygonal or approximated with too few nodes.
Holes are clearly represented in the Outlines
layer.
Screw trajectories are placed in the Guides
layer.
Common Screw Hole Issue
A common issue occurs when holes are exported as polygonal shapes rather than true circles. This can depend on the CAD or design software used, or the selected export settings.
Where possible, export with settings that preserve circular geometry accurately and avoid excessive simplification.
9. Implant Family and Variants
Implants should be grouped correctly as a family.
When adding multiple sizes or related variants of the same implant, use the:
+ Add variants option within the Implant Tool.
This keeps related implants organised together and helps ensure the implant family is managed consistently.
Example
A TPLO plate family with several sizes should be submitted as one implant family with multiple variants, rather than as separate unrelated implant entries.
10. Special Implant Guidance
Some implant types benefit from additional reference lines to improve usability in VPOP® PRO.
Femoral Stem Implants
For femoral stem implants, we recommend adding green lines to indicate the head offset circles.
Acetabular Cups
For acetabular cups, we recommend adding green equator reference lines.
These reference lines help improve interpretation and positioning within the planning environment.
11. Preparing Files in Inkscape
If your design software does not automatically join paths correctly, you can use Inkscape to correct the file before export.
The workflow below follows the process shown in the DXF File Structure tutorial video.
Step 1: Open the DXF File
Open the DXF file in Inkscape.
Zoom into the drawing to inspect the geometry carefully.
On macOS, you can use:
Control + scroll
Step 2: Select and Orientate the Implant
Select the implant.
Check that:
The implant is horizontal.
The head of the implant is on the left.
The drawing contains only one implant view.
The implant corresponds to the correct orthographic view.
Step 3: Open Layers and Objects
Open the:
Layers and Objects panel.
Then open:
Fill and Stroke
Under Stroke Style, set the stroke width to:
Hairline
Step 4: Combine the Outline Paths
Return to the Layers and Objects tab.
Ensure all paths are initially placed in the same layer.
Select all paths in the Outlines layer.
From the top menu, select:
Path → Combine
This combines the selected paths into a single combined path structure.
Step 5: Create the Solid Layer
Duplicate the combined path.
Rename the duplicated layer to:
Solid
Select the path in the Solid
layer.
Go to:
Path → Flatten
Then select:
Path → Fill Between Paths
This will create two paths:
One filled shape.
One path representing outlines.
Select the filled shape.
Go to:
Path → Stroke to Path
Delete the path that contains only outlines.
Only one path should remain in the Solid
layer.
Step 6: Check the Solid Shape
Open:
Fill and Stroke
Adjust the fill if required. You may reduce opacity to make the solid easier to inspect.
Check that the Solid
layer does not extend beyond the implant boundaries.
If it does extend beyond the boundaries, continue with the offset correction.
Step 7: Apply Offset Correction if Required
Go to:
Path → Path Effects
Search for:
Offset
Set the offset value to:
-0.1
This can help bring the solid shape back within the implant boundary.
Step 8: Set Units and Export
Before exporting, ensure the document units are set to:
Millimetres
Then go to:
File → Save As
Choose:
DXF R14
Confirm the export settings.
Your implant file should now meet the required structure for upload to the VPOP® PRO Implant Tool.
12. Uploading Files to the Implant Tool
Once your files are prepared, upload each view into the corresponding tab in the VPOP® PRO Implant Tool.
Upload Tab
File to Upload
Top
Top view DXF
Front
Front view DXF
Left
Left view DXF, if required
Right
Right view DXF, if required
Back
Back view DXF, if required
Bottom
Bottom view DXF, if required
At least two views, usually top and front, are required for most implants.
After uploading, use the Playground section to inspect the implant in more detail before submission.
13. Using the Playground
The Playground allows you to review how the implant will display before final submission.
Use the Playground to check:
Orientation
Scale
Visibility of outlines
Screw holes
Screw trajectories
Implant boundaries
Variant grouping
Whether the implant appears as expected in VPOP® PRO
If anything looks incorrect, return to the file, correct it, and upload the revised version before submitting for review.
14. Submission Statuses
Once uploaded, implant variants are automatically assigned a status.
Pending
All newly uploaded implants are marked as:
Pending
This means the implant is under review by the VPOP® PRO team.
Draft
If you are not ready to submit an implant for review, select:
Mark as Draft
Draft implants will not be reviewed until they are submitted.
You can return to the implant page at any time to submit the implant for review.
Approved
An implant will be approved if it meets the VPOP® PRO requirements.
Once approved:
The status changes to Approved.
The implant becomes available within VPOP® PRO.
Rejected
An implant may be rejected if it does not meet the file specification or submission requirements.
If rejected:
The status changes to Rejected.
A reason for rejection will be provided.
You will receive a notification and an email.
15. Viewing Rejection Feedback
To view the reason for rejection:
Navigate to the implant page.
Select Edit on the relevant implant variant.
A window will open displaying the implant details.
Scroll down to view the rejection message.
The rejection message will explain what needs to be corrected before the implant can be resubmitted.
16. What to Do After Rejection
Once an implant is rejected, two options are available.
Save
Use Save when changes are not yet ready for review.
This will:
Save your updates.
Keep the current status unchanged.
Allow you to return later and continue editing.
Re-submit
Use Re-submit when your updates are complete and ready for review.
This will:
Save the changes.
Return the status to Pending.
Send the implant back to the VPOP® PRO team for review.
17. Common Reasons Files Are Returned
The most common issues we see are listed below.
Orientation Issues
Implant not placed horizontally.
Head of implant not positioned on the left.
Front view does not match the required orientation.
TPLO front view not shown cranial-to-caudal.
View Issues
Missing top view.
Missing front view.
Multiple views included in one DXF file.
File uploaded to the wrong view tab.
Layer Issues
Missing Solid, Outlines or Guides layers.
Geometry placed in the wrong layer.
Screw trajectories not placed in the Guides layer.
Solid boundary includes internal details instead of only the outer boundary.
Path Issues
Open paths.
Unjoined paths.
Duplicate outlines.
Stray nodes.
Fragmented line segments.
Implant elements that do not move as one object when selected.
Screw Trajectory Issues
Number of screw trajectories does not match the number of holes.
Screw trajectories are missing.
Screw trajectories are placed in the wrong layer.
Holes are polygonal rather than circular.
Variant Issues
Implant variants uploaded as separate implant families.
Related sizes not grouped using + Add variants.
Variant details incomplete or inconsistent.
18. Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting an implant, please complete the checklist below.
File Format
File is in .dxf
format.
DXF header includes $INSUNITS = 4.
Units are set to millimetres.
File is exported as DXF R14 where applicable.
View Structure
One orthographic view is included per file.
Top view is uploaded to the top view tab.
Front view is uploaded to the front view tab.
Additional views are uploaded to the correct tabs, where required.
The implant is horizontal.
The implant head is positioned on the left.
Layer Structure
Solid layer is present.
Outlines layer is present.
Guides layer is present where screw trajectories are required.
Solid contains only the outer implant boundary.
Outlines contains visible implant details.
Guides contains screw trajectories only.
Geometry
All outlines are continuous closed paths.
No open paths are present.
No stray nodes are present.
No duplicate lines are present.
No scales, labels or text are included.
Holes are circular rather than polygonal.
Screw trajectories match the number of holes.
Variant Structure
Related implants are grouped as one implant family.
Variants are added using + Add variants.
Variant naming and sizing are clear and consistent.
Final Review
Implant has been checked in the Playground.
Scale appears correct.
Orientation appears correct.
Outlines and guides display correctly.
File is ready for submission.
19. Recommended Workflow
For the most efficient submission process, we recommend the following workflow:
Prepare your implant views in your CAD or design software.
Export each view as a separate DXF file.
Confirm units are set to millimetres.
Check that each view is horizontal with the implant head on the left.
Confirm the layer structure is correct.
Check all paths are continuous and closed.
Correct any unjoined paths in Inkscape if required.
Upload the files into the correct view tabs.
Add variants using + Add variants.
Review the implant in the Playground.
Submit the implant for review.
Monitor status updates and feedback.
If rejected, review the rejection reason, correct the file, and re-submit.
20. Review and Release Process
Once submitted, your implant will be reviewed by the VPOP® PRO team.
During review, we check that the implant:
Meets the required DXF file specification.
Uses the correct layer structure.
Has the correct orientation.
Contains the required views.
Displays correctly in the VPOP® PRO environment.
Has accurate outlines, holes and guide trajectories.
Is grouped correctly with related variants.
Approved implants will become available within VPOP® PRO.
If corrections are required, feedback will be provided so that you can update and resubmit the implant.
21. Support
We appreciate the time and care manufacturers invest in preparing implant files for VPOP® PRO.
If your implant is returned for correction, please use the rejection feedback provided in the Implant Tool as your primary guidance. You may then update the file, save your progress as a draft if required, or re-submit once the correction is complete.
Following this file structure helps ensure accurate, reliable and consistent implant visualisation within VPOP® PRO.
We're excited to share that later this week we’ll be releasing the latest VPOP® PRO update, version 3.3.8, where we’ll be introducing our brand new LBL Tool, alongside a range of performance improvements, platform enhancements and expanded implant ...
VPOP® PRO 3.3.3 Release Notes We’re excited to announce the latest VPOP® PRO update with key performance improvements and bug fixes: Release notes For this update we have focused on stability and security improvements. New features Microsoft Store ...
Using the LBL Tool for Precision Leveling Osteotomy Planning The Longitudinal Bisector Line (LBL) tool is a unique planning tool within VPOP® PRO that enables precise planning of: Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomies (CCWO) CBLO procedures Eccentric ...
How to plan a MCCWO modified cranial closing wedge ostectomy in VPOP PRO eTPA series Welcome to another VPOP Pro tutorial! This is the first in a series of ETPA levelling videos. Today, we’ll cover two precise planning options for achieving a ...
How To Get Planning Quickly This guide has everything you need to get set up and planning quickly. Let’s get started with creating your account. VPOP runs in the cloud on your browser on any device. Go to vpop-pro.com, click the login tab and then ...
VPOP® PRO Mobile & Web Application Terms & Conditions of Use Last updated: 31 July 2025 1. Interpretation 1.1 Definitions. In this Agreement the following capitalised terms have the meanings set opposite them unless the context otherwise requires. ...
Privacy Notice Introduction Welcome to VetSOS Education Ltd.’s privacy policy. VetSOS Education Ltd of Column House, London Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6NN (referred to as VetSOS Education Ltd) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your ...
VPOP 3.0 Release Notes We are excited to introduce VPOP PRO 3.0, our latest update designed to enhance your experience and improve efficiency in your veterinary orthopaedic planning. This version comes with a host of new features and improvements ...
VPOP PRO Security White Paper Overview Security is fundamental to the mission of VPOP PRO, ensuring reliable and intelligent cloud-based virtual orthopaedic planning. This white paper provides a detailed explanation of the robust security measures ...
How to Use Split Screen in VPOP We’re excited to introduce Split Screen in VPOP — a powerful new way to view up to four images or documents at the same time. Whether you’re in the OR, teaching, or reviewing cases, Split Screen makes it easier to keep ...