Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether anterior pelvic plane-pelvic tilt (APP-PT) is associated with distinct hip pathomorphologies. We asked: is there a difference in APP-PT between young symptomatic patients being evaluated for joint preservation surgery and an asymptomatic control group? Does APP-PT vary among distinct acetabular and femoral pathomorphologies? And does APP-PT differ in symptomatic hips based on demographic factors?

Aims. Excessive posterior pelvic tilt (PT) may increase the risk of anterior instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in PT occurring from the preoperative supine to postoperative standing position following THA, and identify factors associated with significant changes in PT. Methods. Supine PT was measured on preoperative CT scans and standing PT was measured on preoperative and one-year postoperative standing lateral radiographs in 933 patients who underwent primary THA. Negative values indicate posterior PT. Patients with > 13° of posterior PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing (ΔPT ≤ -13°) radiographs, which corresponds to approximately a 10° increase in functional anteversion of the acetabular component, were compared with patients with less change (ΔPT > -13°). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess preoperative demographic and spinopelvic parameters predictive of PT changes of ≤ -13°. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) determined the diagnostic accuracy of the predictive factors. Results. PT changed from a mean of 3.8° (SD 6.0°)) preoperatively to -3.5° (SD 6.9°) postoperatively, a mean change of -7.4 (SD 4.5°; p < 0.001). A total of 95 patients (10.2%) had ≤ -13° change in PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing. The strongest predictive preoperative factors of large changes in PT (≤ -13°) from preoperative supine to postoperative standing were a large posterior change in PT from supine to standing, increased supine PT, and decreased standing PT (p < 0.001). Flexed-seated PT (p = 0.006) and female sex (p = 0.045) were weaker significant predictive factors. When including all predictive factors, the accuracy of the AUC prediction was 84.9%, with 83.5% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. Conclusion. A total of 10% of patients had > 13° of posterior PT postoperatively compared with their supine pelvic position, resulting in an increased functional anteversion of > 10°. The strongest predictive factors of changes in postoperative PT were the preoperative supine-to-standing differences, the anterior supine PT, and the posterior standing PT. Surgeons who introduce the acetabular component with the patient supine using an anterior approach should be aware of the potentially large increase in functional anteversion occurring in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):74–80

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may provoke ankle symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), the talar tilt (TT) on ankle symptoms after TKA, and assess changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the subtalar joint, foot posture, and ankle laxity.

Acetabular component positioning is commonly referenced with the pelvis in the supine position in direct anterior approach THA. Changes in pelvic tilt (PT) from the pre-operative supine to the post-operative standing positions have not been well investigated and may have relevance to optimal acetabular component targeting for reduced risk of impingement and instability. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the change in PT that occurs from pre-operative supine to post-operative standing, and whether any factors are associated with significant changes in tilt ≥13° in posterior direction. 13° in a posterior direction was chosen as that amount of posterior rotation creates an increase in functional anteversion of the acetabular component of 10°. 1097 THA patients with pre-operative supine CT and standing lateral radiographic imaging and 1 year post-operative standing lateral radiographs (interquartile range 12–13 months) were reviewed. Pre-operative supine PT was measured from CT as the angle between the anterior pelvic plane (APP) and the horizontal plane of the CT device. Standing PT was measured on standing lateral x-rays as the angle between the APP and the vertical line. Patients with ≥13° change from supine pre-op to standing post-op (corresponding to a 10° change in cup anteversion) were grouped and compared to those with a <13° change using unpaired student's t-tests. Mean pre-operative supine PT (3.8±6.0°) was significantly different from mean post-operative standing PT (−3.5±7.1°, p<0.001), ie mean change of −7.3±4.6°. 10.4% (114/1097) of patients had posterior PT changes ≥13° supine pre-op to standing post-op. A significant number of patients, ie 1 in 10, undergo a clinically significant change in PT and functional anteversion from supine pre-op to standing post-op. Surgeons should be aware of these changes when planning component placement in THA

The spinopelvic alignment is often assessed via the Pelvic Incidence-Lumbar Lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch. Here we describe and validate a simplified method to evaluating the spinopelvic alignment through the L1-Pelvis angle (L1P). This method is set to reduce the operator error and make the on-film measurement more practicable. 126 standing lateral radiographs of patients presenting for Total Hip Arthroplasty were examined. Three operators were recruited to label 6 landmarks. One operator repeated the landmark selection for intra-operator analysis. We compare PI-LL mismatch obtained via the conventional method, and our simplified method where we estimate this mismatch using PI-LL = L1P - 90°. We also assess the method's reliability and repeatability. We found no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the PI-LL mismatch from the conventional method (mean 0.22° ± 13.6) compared to L1P method (mean 0.0° ± 13.1). The overall average normalised root mean square error (NRMSE) for PI-LL mismatch across all operators is 7.53% (mean -3.3° ± 6.0) and 6.5% (mean -2.9° ± 4.9) for the conventional and L1P method, respectively. In relation to intra-operator repeatability, the correlation coefficients are 0.87 for PI, 0.94 for LL, and 0.96 for L1P. NRMSE between the two measurement sets are PI: 9.96%, LL: 5.97%, and L1P: 4.41%. A similar trend is observed in the absolute error between the two sets of measurements. Results indicate an equivalence in PI-LL measurement between the methods. Reproducibility of the measurements and reliability between operators were improved. Using the L1P angle, the classification of the sagittal spinal deformity found in the literature translates to: normal L1P<100°, mild 100°<L1P<110°, and severe L1P>110°. Surgeons adopting our method should expect a small improvement in reliability and repeatability of their measurements, and a significant improvement of the assessment of the mismatch through the visualisation of the angle L1P

Aims

Acetabular retroversion is a recognized cause of hip impingement and can be influenced by pelvic tilt (PT), which changes in different functional positions. Positional changes in PT have not previously been studied in patients with acetabular retroversion.

Aims

Spinopelvic mobility plays an important role in functional acetabular component position following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary aim of this study was to determine if spinopelvic hypermobility persists or resolves following THA. Our second aim was to identify patient demographic or radiological factors associated with hypermobility and resolution of hypermobility after THA.

Aims. The aim of the study was to compare two methods of calculating pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT), either by using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to determine the bicoxofemoral axis, in patients with unilateral or bilateral primary hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. PI and PT were measured on standing lateral radiographs of the spine in two groups: 50 patients with unilateral (Group I) and 50 patients with bilateral hip OA (Group II), using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to define the bicoxofemoral axis. Agreement between the methods was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEm). The intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability of the two methods were analyzed on 31 radiographs in both groups to calculate ICC and SEm. Results. In both groups, excellent agreement between the two methods was obtained, with ICC of 0.99 and SEm 0.3° for Group I, and ICC 0.99 and SEm 0.4° for Group II. The intraobserver reproducibility was excellent for both methods in both groups, with an ICC of at least 0.97 and SEm not exceeding 0.8°. The study also revealed excellent interobserver reliability for both methods in both groups, with ICC 0.99 and SEm 0.5° or less. Conclusion. Either the femoral heads or acetabular domes can be used to define the bicoxofemoral axis on the lateral standing radiographs of the spine for measuring PI and PT in patients with idiopathic unilateral or bilateral hip OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1345–1350

Aims

The patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a level of wellbeing, which is measured by the patient. The aim of this study was to determine if the proportion of patients who achieved an acceptable level of function (PASS) after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) was different based on the status of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the time of surgery.

This matched cohort study aims to (a) assess differences in spinopelvic characteristics of patients having sustained a dislocation following THA and a control THA group without dislocation; (b) identify spinopelvic characteristics associated with risk of dislocation and; (c) propose an algorithm to define the optimum cup orientation for minimizing dislocation risk. Fifty patients with a history of THA dislocation (29 posterior-, 21 anterior dislocations) were matched for age, gender, body mass index, index diagnosis, and femoral head size with 100 controls. All patients were reviewed and underwent detailed quasi-static radiographic evaluations of the coronal- (offset; center-of-rotation; cup inclination/anteversion) and sagittal- reconstructions (pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic-femoral-angle, cup ante-inclination). The spinopelvic balance (PI-LL), combined sagittal index (CSI= Pelvic-femoral-angle + Cup Anteinclination) and Hip-User-Index were determined. sagittal index (CSI= Pelvic-femoral-angle + Cup Anteinclination) and Hip-User-Index were determined. Parameters were compared between the two groups (2-group analysis) and between controls and per direction of dislocation (3-group analysis). There were marginal coronal differences between the groups. Sagittal parameters (lumbar-lordosis, pelvic-tilt, CSI, PI-LL and Hip-User-Index) differed significantly. PI-LL (>10°) and standing pelvic tilt (>18°) were the strongest predictors of dislocation risk (sensistivity:70%/specificity:70%). All hips with a standing CSI<195° dislocated posteriorly and all with CSI>260° dislocated anteriorly. A CSI between 200–245° was associated with significantly reduced risk of dislocation (OR:6; 95%CI:2.5–15.0; p<0.001). In patients with unbalanced and/or rigid lumbar spine, standing CSI of 215–245° was associated with significantly reduced dislocation risk (OR:10; 95%CI:3.2–29.8; p<0.001). PI-LL and standing pelvic-tilt determined from pre-operative, standing, lateral spinopelvic radiograph can be useful screening tools, alerting surgeons of patients at increased dislocation risk. Measurement of the pelvic-femoral angle pre-operatively provides valuable information to determine the optimum, cup orientation associated with reduced dislocation risk by aiming for a standing CSI of 200–245°

Aims

To report the surgical outcome of patients with severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis treated using a consistent technique and perioperative management.

Aims. To determine the effectiveness of prone traction radiographs in predicting postoperative slip distance, slip angle, changes in disc height, and lordosis after surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine. Methods. A total of 63 consecutive patients with a degenerative spondylolisthesis and preoperative prone traction radiographs obtained since 2010 were studied. Slip distance, slip angle, disc height, segmental lordosis, and global lordosis (L1 to S1) were measured on preoperative lateral standing radiographs, flexion-extension lateral radiographs, prone traction lateral radiographs, and postoperative lateral standing radiographs. Patients were divided into two groups: posterolateral fusion or posterolateral fusion with interbody fusion. Results. The mean changes in segmental lordosis and global lordosis were 7.1° (SD 6.7°) and 2.9° (SD 9.9°) respectively for the interbody fusion group, and 0.8° (SD 5.1°) and -0.4° (SD 10.1°) respectively for the posterolateral fusion-only group. Segmental lordosis (ρ = 0.794, p < 0.001) corrected by interbody fusion correlated best with prone traction radiographs. Global lumbar lordosis (ρ = 0.788, p < 0.001) correlated best with the interbody fusion group and preoperative lateral standing radiographs. The least difference in slip distance (-0.3 mm (SD 1.7 mm), p < 0.001), slip angle (0.9° (SD 5.2°), p < 0.001), and disc height (0.02 mm (SD 2.4 mm), p < 0.001) was seen between prone traction and postoperative radiographs. Regression analyses suggested that prone traction parameters best predicted correction of slip distance (Corrected Akaike’s Information Criterion (AICc) = 37.336) and disc height (AICc = 58.096), while correction of slip angle (AICc = 26.453) was best predicted by extension radiographs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) cut-off showed, with 68.3% sensitivity and 64.5% specificity, that to achieve a 3.0° increase in segmental lordotic angle, patients with a prone traction disc height of 8.5 mm needed an interbody fusion. Conclusion. Prone traction radiographs best predict the slip distance and disc height correction achieved by interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. To achieve this maximum correction, interbody fusion should be undertaken if a disc height of more than 8.5 mm is attained on preoperative prone traction radiographs. Level of Evidence: Level II Prognostic Study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1062–1071

Spinopelvic mobility describes the change in lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt from standing to sitting position. For 1° of posterior pelvic tilt, functional cup anteversion increases by 0.75° after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thus, spinopelvic mobility is of high clinical relevance regarding the risk of implant impingement and dislocation. Our study aimed to 1) determine the proportion of OA-patients with stiff, normal or hypermobile spino-pelvic mobility and 2) to identify clinical or static standing radiographic parameters predicting spinopelvic mobility. This prospective diagnostic cohort study followed 122 consecutive patients with end-stage osteoarthritis awaiting THA. Preoperatively, the Oxford Hip Score, Oswestry Disability Index and Schober's test were assessed in a standardized clinical examination. Lateral view radiographs were taken of the lumbar spine, pelvis and proximal femur using EOS© in standing position and with femurs parallel to the floor in order to achieve a 90°-seated position. Radiographic measurements were performed for the lumbar lordosis angle (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic-femoral-angle (PFA). The difference in PT between standing and seated allowed for patient classification based on spino-pelvic mobility into stiff (±30°). From the standing to the sitting position, the pelvis tilted backwards by a mean of 19.6° (SD 11.6) and the hip was flexed by a mean of 57° (SD 17). Change in pelvic tilt correlated inversely with change in hip flexion. Spinopelvic mobility is highly variable in patients awaiting THA and we could not identify any clinical or static standing radiographic parameter predicting the change in pelvic tilt from standing to sitting position. In order to identify patients with stiff or hypermobile spinopelvic mobility, we recommend performing lateral view radiographs of the lumbar spine, pelvis and proximal femur in all patients awaiting THA. Thereafter, implants and combined cup inclination/anteversion can be individually chosen to minimize the risk of dislocation. No predictors could be identified. We recommend performing sitting and standing lateral view radiographs of the lumbar spine and pelvis to determine spinopelvic mobility in patients awaiting THA

Aims

Patients with abnormal spinopelvic mobility are at increased risk for instability. Measuring the change in sacral slope (ΔSS) can help determine spinopelvic mobility preoperatively. Sacral slope (SS) should decrease at least 10° to demonstrate adequate posterior pelvic tilt. There is potential for different ΔSS measurements in the same patient based on sitting posture. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sitting posture on the ΔSS in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Introduction. Upright body posture is maintained with the alignment of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities, and the muscle strength of the body trunk and lower extremities. Conversely, the posture is known to undergo changes with age, and muscle weakness of lower extremities and the restriction of knee extension in osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA) have been considered to be associated with loss of natural lumbar lordosis and abnormal posture. As total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is aimed to correct malalignment of lower extremities and limited range of motion of knee, particularly in extension, we hypothesized that TKA positively affects the preoperative abnormal posture. To clarify this, the variation in the alignment of the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities before and after TKA was evaluated in this study. Patients and methods. Patients suffering from primary knee OA who were scheduled to receive primary TKA were enrolled in this study. However, patients with arthritis secondary to another etiology, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or previous surgical interventions to the knee, were excluded. Moreover, patients who suffered from hip and ankle OA, cranial nerve diseases, or severe spinal deformity were also excluded. The sagittal vertical axis (SVA), the horizontal distance between the posterosuperior aspect of the S1 endplate surface and a vertical plumb line drawn from the center of the C7 vertebral body, is an important index of sagittal balance of the trunk. Thus, patients were classified into two groups based on the preoperative SVA with preoperative standing lateral digital radiographs: normal (< 40mm) and abnormal (≥ 40mm) groups. The variations in the sagittal alignment of the spine, pelvis and lower extremities were evaluated preoperatively, and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. This study was approved by an institutional review board, and informed consent for participation was obtained from the patients. Results. Forty-nine knees in 49 patients were enrolled. Three different patterns of postural changes as well as hip and knee angles following TKA were observed. After TKA, the preoperatively normal SVA patients (26.5%) showed extension of the hip and knee joints and decrease of lumbar lordosis, while the SVA remained almost within the normal range. In the preoperatively abnormal SVA group, 13 patients (26.5%) showed extension of the knee joint while the SVA remained abnormal, however, 23 of the preoperatively abnormal SVA group patients (47.0%) showed improvement of SVA into the normal range with the extension of the hip and knee joints. Discussion. As the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities together affect body alignment, once limitation of knee extension due to severe knee OA is corrected and lower extremity alignment is improved with TKA, the lumbar lordosis may increase, and SVA could decrease. Recently, the relationship between the imbalance of the sagittal plane of the body and the risk of falls was described. From this, it could be said that TKA not only helped in recovering knee function and lower extremity alignment in severe knee OA, but also helped to improve posture and to protect from falls

Aims

This study of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip aimed to: 1) characterize the contribution of the hip, spinopelvic complex, and lumbar spine when moving from the standing to the sitting position; 2) assess whether abnormal spinopelvic mobility is associated with worse symptoms; and 3) identify whether spinopelvic mobility can be predicted from static anatomical radiological parameters.

Aims

While previously underappreciated, factors related to the spine contribute substantially to the risk of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). These factors must be taken into consideration during preoperative planning for revision THA due to recurrent instability. We developed a protocol to assess the functional position of the spine, the significance of these findings, and how to address different pathologies at the time of revision THA.