Abstract
Abstract
Optimal acetabular component position in Total Hip Arthroplasty is vital for avoiding complications such as dislocation and impingement, Transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) have been shown to be a reliable landmark to guide optimum acetabular cup position. Reports of iliopsoas impingement caused by acetabular components exist. The Psoas fossa (PF) is not a well-regarded landmark for Component positioning. Our aim was to assess the relationship of the TAL and PF in relation to Acetabular Component positioning.
A total of 22 cadavers were implanted on 4 occasions with the an uncemented acetabular component. Measurements were taken between the inner edge of TAL and the base of the acetabular component and the distance between the lower end of the PF and the most medial end of TAL.
The distance between the edge of the acetabular component and TAL was a mean of 1.6cm (range 1.4–18cm). The distance between the medial end of TAL and the lowest part of PF was a mean of 1.cm (range 1,3–1.8cm) It was evident that the edge of PF was not aligned with TAL.
Optimal acetabular component position is vital to the longevity and outcome following THA. TAL provides a landmark to guide acetabular component position. However we feel the PF is a better landmark to allow appropriate positioning of the acetabular component inside edge of the acetabulum inside the bone without exposure of the component rim and thus preventing iliopsoas impingement at the psoas notch and resultant groin pain.