Abstract
Introduction
The combination of spinal fusion and THP is not exceptional. Disorders of the pelvic tilt and stiffness of the lumbosacral junction modify the adaptation options while standing or sitting. Adjusting the cup can be difficult and THP instability is a potential risk. This study reports an experience with EOS® simultaneous measurements on AP and lateral views of spine and hips in THP patients.
Material and methods
29 men and 45 women were included in this prospective study. 21cases had bilateral THP. Patients were separated into two groups: long fusions including the thoraco-lumbar junction (group 1) and shorter fusions below L1 (group 2). We analyzed the impact of the arthrodesis on the position of the pelvis by measuring variations of the sacral slope (SS) and APP angle. Cup position was defined by coronal inclination and functional anteversion in the horizontal plane standing and sitting. We compared the data to a previous series of 150 THP patients with asymptomatic and non fused spine.
Results
Table1 reports the results of the fusion series. The overall analysis of all patients demonstrates that the values for the cup functional anteversion and coronal inclination are statistically different when comparing standing to sitting (respectively p <0.01and p <0.001). The same results are obtained for SS and APP. This difference is not significant for group 1 patients. The mean range of variation for cup anteversion and inclination is 5° and 7° in the fused cases.
Table 2 reports the results of the non fusion series. SS, APP and cup orientation values are statistically significant between standing and sitting. All of the values are statistically different when compared to the fused patients. The mean range of variation for cup anteversion and inclination is 11,6° and 10°.
Discussion
The population of THP patients is characterized by pelvic retroversion and a significant reduction of sagittal pelvic mobility when compared to young asymptomatic individuals. Patients combining THP and spine fusion showed significant reduction of adaptation possibilities due to low variations for SS and cup orientation angles.
Conclusion
This preliminary study shows the importance of planning THP taking into account not only the orientation of the spine but also its mobility for adaptation in standing and sitting positions. This is a key issue because of the growing number of elderly THP patients whose spine is degenerative or fused. A particular attention must be drawn to the cases with long fusions. The interest of a global vision of the hip-spine relationship is evident in the prevention or in management of dislocations and subluxations, and especially for the indications of dual-mobility prostheses.
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