Abstract
Introduction
Optimal alignment of the acetabulum cup component is crucial for good outcome of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). A patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for cup alignment manufactured by 3D printing might improve cup alignment in conventional THAs with patient's lateral decubitus position. In this study, we developed PSI for cup alignment which transferred preoperatively planned cup alignment to the operation room as a linear visual reference(Figure 1), then investigated its accuracy in terms of fitting of PSI on the bony surface and angle deviation between pre- and post-operative cup alignments.
Methods
3-Dimensional bone models created from CT images of both sides of 6 cadaveric specimens were used in the current study. In the first experiment (first 3 specimens and six hips), we designed PSI to fit on the acetabular rim, and we inserted a Kirschner wire (K-wire) through PSI after PSI's fitting. In the second experiment (remaining 3 specimens and six hips), after the same steps like the first experiment were done, we reamed and finally impacted plastic cups with the visual reference of the K-wire. Using postoperative CT images taken after both experiments, we measured deviation of the K-wire placement for the first experiment, and measured deviation of the cup placement from planned cup alignment.
Results
The angle deviation of the K-wire alignment on the basis of radiographic inclination and anteversion angles was on average 2.2°±2.5° and 1.0°±1.3° respectively in the first experiment. The angle deviation of the cup alignment with the same definition was on average 2.88°±1.63° and 4.15°±2.56°. For one cadaveric specimen data for the first experiment were missing.
Conclusion
We conclude that the accuracy of acetabular cup placement can be improved by the use of patient-specific cup orientation guides.
