A medical imaging device takes one or more images of the local anatomy of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A surface model generator receives the one or more images and generates a 3-D surface model of the patient's anatomy. A fabrication device utilizes the 3-D surface model to fabricate a template custom designed to match the surface of the patient's anatomy. Attached to the template is a directional guide vane. The fabrication device is configured to create a template and directional guide vane such that, when the template is fitted to the patient's anatomy, the directional guide vane points along a predefined orientation relative to the patient's anatomy. A physician uses the directional guide vane as a visual guide or cue for installing an implantable prosthetic component during a surgical procedure.