Abstract
Proper component alignment is crucial for a successful total hip arthroplasty (THA). Some studies found safe cup orientations and corresponding stem antetorsions based on a defined desired range of motion (ROM) suitable for activities of daily living. These studies either used complex and time consuming 3D simulations or more simple mathematical formulas which cannot be extended to combined motions.
With the method introduced in this work, any arbitrary motion can be applied. The ROM specified as the ROM of the femur relative to the pelvis is transformed into the ROM of the prosthesis neck relative to the cup for each cup orientation. For this transformation, the orientation and design of the stem are considered. The comparison of the neck and cup orientations is done using a 2D mapping of a 3D spherical surface which reduces the complexity of the calculation.
We found that the femoral antetorsion as well as the neutral stem flexion and adduction have an influence on the resulting safe zone. The result is not just a combined anteversion but a combined orientation. For validating the plausibility of the algorithm, the resulting safe zones are compared to literature. Same results can be achieved using the same input data. Using this technique, a patient-specific safe zone based on the ROM can be derived and adjusted to the stem orientation.
