761 cases in 613 patients with minimal two years follow-up had both metal ion levels and quality pelvis X-ray identified in our database and are included in this study. The UCLA activity score, femoral shaft angle, body mass index, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, combined range of motion (CROM), diagnosis, age, implant brand, gender, AIA, bearing size, and duration of implantation were analyzed to determine the potential risk factors for elevated metal ion levels with use of uni- and multi-variable logistic regression models. A safe zone for hip resurfacing (RAIL: Relative Acetabular Inclination Limit) was calculated based on implant size and AIA on AP pelvis X-ray. For AIA below the RAIL, there were no adverse wear failures or dislocations, and only 1% of cases with ion levels above 10 μg/L. We have not found a lower limit of AIA where failures occurred. Other than high inclination angle and small bearing size, female gender was the only other factor that correlated with high ion levels in the multivariate analysis. We have described the robust “safe zone” for acetabular component position based on metal ion levels in a large patient cohort for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Our study suggests that adverse wear failures with hip resurfacing may be highly predictable and avoidable. If the AIA is below the RAIL, rare dislocations are also prevented

Introduction: Metal-on-metal-hip-resurfacing-arthroplasty (MoMHRA) has been associated with the development of inflammatory pseudotumours(IP), especially in females. IPs have been linked to wear debris, which can be related to metal-ion blood levels. Acetabular component position has been shown to influence wear. We have identified an optimum component orientation minimising IP risk around an inclination/anteversion of 40°/20°±10°. Our aim was to see if this optimal position results in lower metal ions and to identify the boundary of an optimal placement zone for low wear. Methods: A cohort of 104 patients(60M:44F) with unilateral MoMHRA was studied. Blood tests were obtained at a mean follow up of 3.9 years and serum Co/Cr levels were measured(ICPMS). High metal ion concentrations were defined as Co> 4.1ppb and Cr> 5.2ppb. Radiographic cup inclination/anteversion were measured using EBRA. The differences in ion levels between different orientation zones were investigated. Three orientation zones were defined centered on 40°/20°: Z1-within ±5°, Z2-outside ±5°/within ±10° and Z3-within ±10°. Results: There was a wide range of cup placements. Females had significantly (p< 0.001) smaller components(mean:51, 44–60) than males(mean: 56, 52–64). Cr levels, but not Co, were higher in females(p=0.002) and those with small femoral components(< 50mm, p =0.03). Patients with cups within Z1 (n=13) had significantly lower Co(p=0.005) and Cr(p=0.001). Males with cups within Z3(n=27) had lower ion levels in comparison to those outside, which were significantly lower for Co(p=0.049) but not Cr(p=0.084). Females had similar ion levels within and out of Z3(Cr/Co: p=0.83/0.84). Co levels were significantly lower in Z1(n=13) in comparison to Z2(n=33)(p=0.048) but Cr levels were not different (p=0.06). Discussion: MoMHRA cups placed within ±5° of the optimum(40°/20°) had significantly lower metal ions indicating lower wear within this narrow zone. This safe zone, could extend to ±10° for males only. The narrower safe zone coupled with smaller components implanted are possible factors contributing to the increased IP incidence seen in females

Introduction. Pelvic flexion and extension in different body positions can affect acetabular orientation after total hip arthroplasty, and this may predispose patients to dislocation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional acetabular component position in total hip replacement patients during standing and sitting. We hypothesize that patients with degenerative lumbar disease will have less pelvic extension from standing to sitting, compared to patients with a normal lumbar spine or single level spine disease. Methods. A prospective cohort of 20 patients with primary unilateral THR underwent spine-to-ankle standing and sitting lateral radiographs that included the lumbar spine and pelvis using EOS imaging. Patients were an average age of 58 ± 12 years and 6 patients were female. Patients had (1) normal lumbar spines or single level degeneration, (2) multilevel degenerative disc disease or (3) scoliosis. We measured acetabular anteversion (cup relative to the horizontal), sacral slope angle (superior endplate of S1 relative to the horizontal), and lumbar lordosis angles (superior endplates of L1 and S1). We calculated the absolute difference in acetabular anteversion and the absolute difference in lumbar lordosis during standing and sitting (Figure 1). Results. Nine patients had normal lumbar spines or scoliosis, and 11 patients had multilevel disc disease. The median change in cup anteversion for normal and scoliosis patients was 29° degrees (range 11° to 41°) compared to 21° degrees (range 1° to 34°) for multilevel disc disease patients (p=0.03). There was a positive correlation between the change in cup anteversion and the change in lumbar lordosis (p=0.01; Figure 2). From standing to sitting, cup anteversion always increased and lumbar lordosis always decreased. Conclusions. The change in cup anteversion from standing to sitting was variable in patients with normal, degenerative, and scoliosis lumbar spines. Patients with degenerative disc disease have less pelvic extension, and thus less acetabular anteversion in the sitting position compared to normal spines. This may increase their risk of posterior dislocation

Aims

Appropriate acetabular component placement has been proposed for prevention of postoperative dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Manual placements often cause outliers in spite of attempts to insert the component within the intended safe zone; therefore, some surgeons routinely evaluate intraoperative pelvic radiographs to exclude excessive acetabular component malposition. However, their evaluation is often ambiguous in case of the tilted or rotated pelvic position. The purpose of this study was to develop the computational analysis to digitalize the acetabular component orientation regardless of the pelvic tilt or rotation.

Introduction. Acetabular component position is an important determinant of stability, wear and impingement following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Its optimum position and size in direct anterior approach (DAA) THA has not been clearly described in previous studies. Our aim was to study the evolution of the same with reference to stability and impingement as a part of a single surgeon's learning curve. Methods. Clinical and radiographic records of first 300 consecutive DAA THAs performed by a single surgeon from April 2009 to April 2011 were reviewed from a prospective database at a single center. Radiographic analysis was done by two observers to determine acetabular inclination and anteversion on 6 week postoperative standing radiographs. Native femoral head size, measured on preoperative radiographs after adjusting for magnification, was used to calculate the native acetabular cup size. The study population was divided into three groups; Group A– 1. st. 100 DAA THA cases, Group B – 2. nd. 100 and Group C – 3. rd. 100 corresponding to the use of intraoperative anterior stability assessment (Group B and C) and change in the cup size strategy (Group C). The incidence of instability and psoas impingement (PI) –related groin pain at 2 year follow-up was determined for the three groups. Statistical analysis was done to see if there were differences in these clinical and radiographic outcome measures in the three groups. Results. Mean values for abduction were similar in all the groups. Mean anteversion was significantly lower in Group B [12.5° (± 3.3°)] and C [13.6 °(± 2.3°)] as compared to group A [24.3°(± 7.5°)]. The difference between the implanted cup size and calculated native cup size was significantly higher in Group A [5.2(± 2.1) mm] and group B [5.8 (± 2.60 mm] as compared to group C [1.4 (± 1.4) mm] (Figure 1). There were 2 anterior dislocations in group A with none in the other groups. The incidence of PI-related groin pain was higher in group B (12%) as compared to group A (2%) and group C (2%). For PI related groin pain, an arthroscopic psoas release was performed in 3 patients and cup revision in 1 patient. Discussion. For optimum anterior stability, the target cup anteversion is lower in the DAA. Increasing the cup size makes the use of large heads possible. However, the implanted cup size should be as close to the native cup size with DAA THA to avoid anterior overhang (psoas impingement) or posterior overhang (cup-neck impingement and anterior instability)

Introduction: Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MoMHRA) has gained popularity as an alternative to THR for younger patients with osteoarthritis. A growing concern has been the association of MoMHRA with the development of inflammatory pseudotumours (IP), especially in women. These have been linked to metal-on-metal wear, which can be related to metal ion concentrations. Although cup orientation has been shown to influence wear, the optimum cup position has not been clearly defined. We have identified an optimal cup orientation to minimise IP risk, based on a case controlled study, for inclination/anteversion within ±10° of 40°/20°. Our aim was to see if this optimal position results in lower metal ions, and to identify the boundary of an optimal placement zone for low wear.

Methods: A cohort of 104 patients (60M: 44F) with unilateral MoMHRA was included in this study. Blood tests were obtained at a mean follow up of 3.9 years (range 1.7–7 years) and serum Co and Cr ion levels were measured (ICPMS). High metal ion concentrations were defined as Co> 4.1ppb and Cr> 5.2ppb. Radiographic cup inclination and anteversion were measured using EBRA. The differences in ion levels between different cup orientation zones were investigated. Three orientation zones were defined centered on the target orientation of 40°/20°: Z1 within ±5°, Z2 outside ±5°/within ±10° and Z3: within ±10°.

Results: There was a wide range of cup placements; mean inclination/anteversion were 46.3°(21.5°–64.6°)/15°(2.7°–35.6°). Cr levels, but not Co, were higher in female patients (p=0.002) and those with small femoral components (< 50mm, p =0.03).

For the whole cohort, there was no significant difference in ion levels (Cr: p=0.092. Co=0.075) between cups positioned within Z3 (n=58) versus those outside (n=46 mean). Male patients with cups within Z3 (n=27) had lower ion levels in comparison to those outside Z3, which were significantly lower for Co (p=0.049) but not Cr (p=0.084). Female patients had similar levels within and out of Z3 for both ions (Cr: p=0.83, Co: p=0.84). However, patients with cups within Z1 (n=13) had significantly lower Co (p=0.005) and Cr (p=0.001) than those outside Z1 (n=95). Interestingly, Co levels were significantly lower in Z1 (n=13) in comparison to Z2 (n=33) (p=0.048) but Cr levels were not different (p=0.06).

Discussion: MoMHRA cups placed with ±5° of the ideal position of 40°/20°gave rise to significantly lower metal ions indicating lower wear within this narrow zone, in both sexes. This safe zone, could be extended to ±10° for male patients only. Gender specific factors, such as pelvic anatomy and joint flexibility, could be responsible for the narrower ‘safe’ zone seen in females. The narrower safe zone coupled with smaller components implanted are factors contributing to higher ion levels and hence the increased incidence of IP seen in females.

Aims. Achieving accurate implant positioning and restoring native hip biomechanics are key surgeon-controlled technical objectives in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The primary objective of this study was to compare the reproducibility of the planned preoperative centre of hip rotation (COR) in patients undergoing robotic arm-assisted THA versus conventional THA. Methods. This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 60 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis undergoing conventional THA (CO THA) versus robotic arm-assisted THA (RO THA). Patients in both arms underwent pre- and postoperative CT scans, and a patient-specific plan was created using the robotic software. The COR, combined offset, acetabular orientation, and leg length discrepancy were measured on the pre- and postoperative CT scanogram at six weeks following surgery. Results. There were no significant differences for any of the baseline characteristics including spinopelvic mobility. The absolute error for achieving the planned horizontal COR was median 1.4 mm (interquartile range (IQR) 0.87 to 3.42) in RO THA versus 4.3 mm (IQR 3 to 6.8; p < 0.001); vertical COR mean 0.91 mm (SD 0.73) in RO THA versus 2.3 mm (SD 1.3; p < 0.001); and combined offset median 2 mm (IQR 0.97 to 5.45) in RO THA versus 3.9 mm (IQR 2 to 7.9; p = 0.019). Improved accuracy was observed with RO THA in achieving the desired acetabular component positioning (root mean square error for anteversion and inclination was 2.6 and 1.3 vs 8.9 and 5.3, repectively) and leg length (mean 0.6 mm vs 1.4 mm; p < 0.001). Patient-reported outcome measures were comparable between the two groups at baseline and one year. Participants in the RO THA group needed fewer physiotherapy sessions postoperatively (median six (IQR 4.5 to 8) vs eight (IQR 6 to 11; p = 0.005). Conclusion. This RCT suggested that robotic-arm assistance in THA was associated with improved accuracy in restoring the native COR, better preservation of the combined offset, leg length correction, and superior accuracy in achieving the desired acetabular component positioning. Further evaluation through long-term and registry data is necessary to assess whether these findings translate into improved implant survival and functional outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):324–335

Aims. Acetabular edge-loading was a cause of increased wear rates in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties, ultimately contributing to their failure. Although such wear patterns have been regularly reported in retrieval analyses, this study aimed to determine their in vivo location and investigate their relationship with acetabular component positioning. Methods. 3D CT imaging was combined with a recently validated method of mapping bearing surface wear in retrieved hip implants. The asymmetrical stabilizing fins of Birmingham hip replacements (BHRs) allowed the co-registration of their acetabular wear maps and their computational models, segmented from CT scans. The in vivo location of edge-wear was measured within a standardized coordinate system, defined using the anterior pelvic plane. Results. Edge-wear was found predominantly along the superior acetabular edge in all cases, while its median location was 8° (interquartile range (IQR) -59° to 25°) within the anterosuperior quadrant. The deepest point of these scars had a median location of 16° (IQR -58° to 26°), which was statistically comparable to their centres (p = 0.496). Edge-wear was in closer proximity to the superior apex of the cups with greater angles of acetabular inclination, while a greater degree of anteversion influenced a more anteriorly centred scar. Conclusion. The anterosuperior location of edge-wear was comparable to the degradation patterns observed in acetabular cartilage, supporting previous findings that hip joint forces are directed anteriorly during a greater portion of walking gait. The further application of this novel method could improve the current definition of optimal and safe acetabular component positioning. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):639–649

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

Abstract. Background. Optimal acetabular component position in Total Hip Arthroplasty is vital for avoiding complications such as dislocation, impingement, abductor muscle strength and range of motion. Transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) and posterior labrum have been shown to be a reliable landmark to guide optimum acetabular cup position. There have been reports of iliopsoas impingement caused by both cemented and uncemented acetabular components. Acetabular component mal-positioning and oversizing of acetabular component are associated with iliopsoas impingement. The Psoas fossa (PF) is not a well-regarded landmark to help with Acetabular Component positioning. Our aim was to assess the relationship of the TAL and PF in relation to Acetabular Component positioning. Methods. A total of 12 cadavers were implanted with the an uncemented acetabular component, their position was initially aligned to TAL. Following optimal seating of the acetabular component the distance of the rim of the shell from the PF was noted. The Acetabular component was then repositioned inside the PF to prevent exposure of the rim of the Acetabular component. This study was performed at Smith & Nephew wet lab in Watford. Results. Out of the twelve acetabular components that were implanted parallel to the TAL, all had the acetabular rim very close or outside to the psoas notch with a potential to cause iliopsoas impingement. Alteration of the acetabular component position was necessary in all cadavers to inside the PF to prevent iliopsoas impingement. It was evident that the edge of PF was not aligned with TAL. Conclusion. Optimal acetabular component position is vital to the longevity and outcome following THA. TAL provides a landmark to guide acetabular component position. We feel the PF is a better landmark to allow appropriate positioning of the acetabular component inside bone without exposure of the component rim and thus preventing iliopsoas impingement at the psoas notch. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

In 2021, Vigdorchik et al. published a large multicentre study validating their simple Hip-Spine Classification for determining patient-specific acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to apply this Hip-Spine Classification to a sample of Australian patients undergoing THA surgery to determine the local acetabular component positioning requirements. Additionally, we propose a modified algorithm for adjusting cup anteversion requirements. 790 patients who underwent THA surgery between January 2021 and June 2022 were assessed for anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPt) and sacral slope (SS) in standing and relaxed seated positions and categorized according to their spinal stiffness and flatback deformity. Spinal stiffness was measured using pelvic mobility (PM); the ΔSS between standing and relaxed seated. Flatback deformity was defined by APPt <-13° in standing. As in Vigdorchik et al., PM of <10° was considered a stiff spine. For our algorithm, PM of <20° indicated the need for increased cup anteversion. Using this approach, patient-specific cup anteversion is increased by 1° for every degree the patient's PM is <20°. According to the Vigdorchik simple Hip-Spine classification groups, we found: 73% Group 1A, 19% Group 1B, 5% Group 2A, and 3% Group 2B. Therefore, under this classification, 27% of Australian THA patients would have an elevated risk of dislocation due to spinal deformity and/or stiffness. Under our modified definition, 52% patients would require increased cup anteversion to address spinal stiffness. The Hip-Spine Classification is a simple algorithm that has been shown to indicate to surgeons when adjustments to acetabular cup anteversion are required to account for spinal stiffness or flatback deformity. We investigated this algorithm in an Australian population of patients undergoing THA and propose a modified approach: increasing cup anteversion by 1° for every degree the patient's PM is <20°

Aims. The complex relationship between acetabular component position and spinopelvic mobility in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) renders it difficult to optimize acetabular component positioning. Mobility of the normal lumbar spine during postural changes results in alterations in pelvic tilt (PT) to maintain the sagittal balance in each posture and, as a consequence, markedly changes the functional component anteversion (FCA). This study aimed to investigate the in vivo association of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with the PT angle and with FCA during postural changes in THA patients. Methods. A total of 50 patients with unilateral THA underwent CT imaging for radiological evaluation of presence and severity of lumbar DDD. In all, 18 patients with lumbar DDD were compared to 32 patients without lumbar DDD. In vivo PT and FCA, and the magnitudes of changes (ΔPT; ΔFCA) during supine, standing, swing-phase, and stance-phase positions were measured using a validated dual fluoroscopic imaging system. Results. PT, FCA, ΔPT, and ΔFCA were significantly correlated with the severity of lumbar DDD. Patients with severe lumbar DDD showed marked differences in PT with changes in posture; there was an anterior tilt (-16.6° vs -12.3°, p = 0.047) in the supine position, but a posterior tilt in an upright posture (1.0° vs -3.6°, p = 0.005). A significant decrease in ΔFCA during stand-to-swing (8.6° vs 12.8°, p = 0.038) and stand-to-stance (7.3° vs 10.6°,p = 0.042) was observed in the severe lumbar DDD group. Conclusion. There were marked differences in the relationship between PT and posture in patients with severe lumbar DDD compared with healthy controls. Clinical decision-making should consider the relationship between PT and FCA in order to reduce the risk of impingement at large ranges of motion in THA patients with lumbar DDD. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1505–1510

Aims. The aims of this study were to determine the change in the sagittal alignment of the pelvis and the associated impact on acetabular component position at one-year follow-up after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. This study represents the one-year follow-up of a previous short-term study at our institution. Using the patient population from our prior study, the radiological pelvic ratio was assessed in 91 patients undergoing THA, of whom 50 were available for follow-up of at least one year (median 1.5; interquartile range (IQR) 1.1 to 2.0). Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were obtained in the standing position preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Pelvic ratio was defined as the ratio between the vertical distance from the inferior sacroiliac (SI) joints to the superior pubic symphysis and the horizontal distance between the inferior SI joints. Apparent acetabular component position changes were determined from the change in pelvic ratio. A change of at least 5° was considered clinically meaningful. Results. Pelvic ratio decreased (posterior tilt) in 54.0% (27) of cases, did not change significantly in 34.0% (17) of cases, and increased (anterior tilt) in 12.0% (6) of cases when comparing preoperative to one-year postoperative radiographs. This would correspond with 5° to 10° of abduction error in 22.0% of cases and > 10° of error in 6.0%. Likewise, this would correspond with 5° to 10° of version error in 22.0% of cases and > 10° of error in 44.0%. Conclusion. Pelvic sagittal alignment is dynamic and variable after THA, and these changes persist to the one-year postoperative period, altering the orientation of the acetabular component. Surgeons who individualize the acetabular component placement based on preoperative functional radiographs should consider that the rotation of the pelvis (and thus the component version and inclination) changes one year postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):47–51

Aims. Dislocation remains a leading cause of failure following revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). While dual-mobility (DM) bearings have been shown to mitigate this risk, options are limited when retaining or implanting an uncemented shell without modular DM options. In these circumstances, a monoblock DM cup, designed for cementing, can be cemented into an uncemented acetabular shell. The goal of this study was to describe the implant survival, complications, and radiological outcomes of this construct. Methods. We identified 64 patients (65 hips) who had a single-design cemented DM cup cemented into an uncemented acetabular shell during revision THA between 2018 and 2020 at our institution. Cups were cemented into either uncemented cups designed for liner cementing (n = 48; 74%) or retained (n = 17; 26%) acetabular components. Median outer head diameter was 42 mm. Mean age was 69 years (SD 11), mean BMI was 32 kg/m. 2. (SD 8), and 52% (n = 34) were female. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Mean follow-up was two years (SD 0.97). Results. There were nine cemented DM cup revisions: three for periprosthetic joint infection, three for acetabular aseptic loosening from bone, two for dislocation, and one for a broken cup-cage construct. The two-year survivals free of aseptic DM revision and dislocation were both 92%. There were five postoperative dislocations, all in patients with prior dislocation or abductor deficiency. On radiological review, the DM cup remained well-fixed at the cemented interface in all but one case. Conclusion. While dislocation was not eliminated in this series of complex revision THAs, this technique allowed for maximization of femoral head diameter and optimization of effective acetabular component position during cementing. Of note, there was only one failure at the cemented interface. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):352–358

Aims. Posterior tilt of the pelvis with sitting provides biological acetabular opening. Our goal was to study the post-operative interaction of skeletal mobility and sagittal acetabular component position. Materials and Methods. This was a radiographic study of 160 hips (151 patients) who prospectively had lateral spinopelvic hip radiographs for skeletal and implant measurements. Intra-operative acetabular component position was determined according to the pre-operative spinal mobility. Sagittal implant measurements of ante-inclination and sacral acetabular angle were used as surrogate measurements for the risk of impingement, and intra-operative acetabular component angles were compared with these. Results. Post-operatively, ante-inclination and sacral acetabular angles were within normal range in 133 hips (83.1%). A total of seven hips (4.4%) had pathological imbalance and were biologically or surgically fused hips. In all, 23 of 24 hips had pre-operative dangerous spinal imbalance corrected. Conclusions. In all, 145 of 160 hips (90%) were considered safe from impingement. Patients with highest risk are those with biological or surgical spinal fusion; patients with dangerous spinal imbalance can be safe with correct acetabular component position. The clinical relevance of the study is that it correlates acetabular component position to spinal pelvic mobility which provides guidelines for total hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(1 Supple A):37–45

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

Introduction. The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained popularity in recent years. Potential advantages over other surgical approaches include less postoperative pain, fewer postoperative precautions, and quicker early recovery. It is most commonly performed in the supine position with traction tables or table mounted bone hooks to facilitate exposure. In this study, we describe a reproducible surgical technique for DAA THA in the lateral decubitus position with use of standard THA equipment and report on our results and learning curve. Methods. A prospectively collected hip repository was queried for all primary THA DAA performed in the lateral position by a single surgeon over a 4-year period from the surgeon's first case utilizing the technique. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify complications and revisions. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was collected pre-operatively and again at 1-year post-operative. Radiographic parameters including were measured on the 1-year postoperative radiographs. Results. Three hundred forty-one hips were identified in patients over 18 years of age with 337 hips meeting our inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 257 hips (76%) had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. 212 of 225 hips (94%) with available mHHS data achieved MCID, defined as mHHS change of > 8. Mean surgical time was 88 ± 16 minutes. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated reproducible results with mean radiographic side to side leg length discrepancy of 2.6 ± 5.9mm and femoral offset difference of 0.2 ± 4.9mm. Among patients with adequate postoperative radiographs, 234 of 243 (96%) had acetabular component positions within Lewinnick's safe zone. 3 hips (0.9%) required revision THA within the first year postoperatively. There were no dislocations and there was no learning curve detected in terms of operative time, blood loss, complication rate or acetabular component position. Discussion. Critics of DAA THA cite its long learning curve with increased risk of complications as an argument against its widespread use. In this study, we have described a safe and efficient technique for performing THA via the DAA in the familiar lateral decubitus with the use of a standard operating table, positioning devices and THA instrumentation. Our results demonstrate excellent acetabular component placement and low rates of complications within the first postoperative year. Conclusion. DAA THA can be performed safely and efficiently in the lateral decubitus position without a specialized table or instrumentation. Surgeon familiarity with patient position and instruments using the technique presented here may be associated with a shorter procedural learning curve

Evidence supporting the use of virtual reality (VR) training in orthopaedic procedures is rapidly growing. However, the impact of the timing of delivery of this training is yet to be tested. We aimed to investigate whether spaced VR training is more effective than massed VR training. 24 medical students with no hip arthroplasty experience were randomised to learning the direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty using the same VR simulation, training either once-weekly or once-daily for four sessions. Participants underwent a baseline physical world assessment on a saw bone pelvis. The VR program recorded procedural errors, time, assistive prompts required and hand path length across four sessions. The VR and physical world assessments were repeated at one-week, one-month, and 3 months after the last training session. Baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). The daily group demonstrated faster skills acquisition, reducing the median ± IQR number of procedural errors from 68 ± 67.05 (session one) to 7 ± 9.75 (session four), compared to the weekly group's improvement from 63 ± 27 (session one) to 13 ± 15.75 (session four), p < 0.001. The weekly group error count plateaued remaining at 14 ± 6.75 at one-week, 16.50 ± 16.25 at one-month and 26.45 ± 22 at 3-months, p < 0.05. However, the daily group showed poorer retention with error counts rising to 16 ± 12.25 at one-week, 17.50 ± 23 at one-month and 41.45 ± 26 at 3-months, p<0.01. A similar effect was noted for the number of assistive prompts required, procedural time and hand path length. In the real-world assessment, both groups significantly improved their acetabular component positioning accuracy, and these improvements were equally maintained (p<0.01). Daily VR training facilitates faster skills acquisition; however weekly practice has superior skills retention

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the change in standing pelvic sagittal alignment and associated impact on functional acetabular component position at follow-up after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A retrospective review was performed on 91 consecutive patients who had undergone primary THA by a single surgeon via a posterior approach in the lateral decubitus position. Of these, 41 patients had high quality standing AP pelvis radiographs preoperatively, at six weeks postoperatively, and at one year postoperatively available for analysis. Pelvic ratio was defined as the ratio between the vertical distance from the inferior sacroiliac (SI) joints to the superior pubic symphysis and the horizontal distance between the inferior SI joints. Apparent changes in the functional acetabular component position were determined from the change in pelvic ratio between the preoperative and one year postoperative standing AP pelvic radiograph. A change of at least five degrees was considered clinically meaningful. Results. From preoperative to 1 year postoperative, pelvic ratio decreased (posterior tilt) in 58.5% of cases, did not change significantly in 36.6% of cases, and increased (anterior tilt) in 4.9% of cases (Figure 1). Clinically meaningful changes in acetabular component abduction or anteversion on standing radiographs were observed in 63.4% of cases. Conclusion. Changes in pelvic tilt occur during the first year after THA, and lead to clinically significant changes in functional acetabular position in the majority of cases. The magnitude and direction of these changes are variable. This brings into question the investment of time and cost of individualizing cup position given the fact that such a high percentage will change within year postoperatively due to the change in pelvic rotation that occurs as the natural history of recovery from THA. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Acetabular cup positioning remains a real challenge and component malpositioning after total hip arthroplasty (THA) can lead to increased rates of dislocation and wear. It is a common cause for revision THA. A novel 3D imageless mini-optical navigation system was used during THA to provide accurate, intraoperative, real-time, and non-fluoroscopic data including component positioning to the surgeon. This retrospective comparative single surgeon and single approach study examined acetabular component positioning between traditional mini-posterolateral THA and mini-posterolateral THA using the 3D mini-optical navigation system. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 157 consecutive (78 3D mini-optical navigation and 79 traditional non-navigation methods) THAs performed by the senior author using a mini-posterolateral approach at an ambulatory surgery center and hospital setting. Two independent reviewers analyzed postoperative radiographs in a standardized fashion to measure acetabular component positioning. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and radiographic data were analyzed. These groups were found to have no statistical difference in age, gender, and BMI (Table I). There was no difference between groups in acetabular components in the Lewinnek safe zone, 31.2% vs 26.6% (p = 0.53). Cup anteversion within the safe zone did not differ, 35.1% vs 40.5% (p = 0.48); while cup inclination within the safe zone differed, with more in the navigation group, 77.9% vs 51.9% (p < 0.01). Change in leg length was significantly different with the navigation group's leg length at 1.9 ± 6.3, less than the traditional at 5.4 ± 7.0 (p < 0.01). There was no difference in mean change in offset between groups (4.5 ± 5.9 vs 6.2 ± 7.9, p = 0.12); navigation, traditional) (Table II). The 3D mini-optical navigation group did have significantly longer operative time (98.4 ± 17.5 vs 89.3 ± 15.5 p < 0.01). Use of the novel 3D Mini-optical Navigation System significantly improved cup inclination compared to traditional methods while increasing operative time. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

There remains confusion in the literature with regard to the spinopelvic relationship, and its contribution to ideal acetabular component position. Critical assessment of the literature has been limited by use of conflicting terminology and definitions of new concepts that further confuse the topic. In 2017, the concept of a Hip-Spine Workgroup was created with the first meeting held at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in 2018. The goal of this workgroup was to first help standardize terminology across the literature so that as a topic, multiple groups could produce literature that is immediately understandable and applicable. This consensus review from the Hip-Spine Workgroup aims to simplify the spinopelvic relationship, offer hip surgeons a concise summary of available literature, and select common terminology approved by both hip surgeons and spine surgeons for future research. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:808–816

Acetabular implant position is important for the stability, function, and long-term wear properties of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prior studies of acetabular implant positioning have demonstrated a high percentage of outliers, even in experienced hip surgeons, when conventional instruments are used. Computer navigation is an attractive tool for use in (THA, as it has been shown to improve the precision of acetabular component placement and reduce the incidence of outliers. However, computer navigation with imageless, large-console systems is costly and often interrupts the surgeon's workflow, and thus, has not been widely adopted. Another method to improve acetabular component positioning during THA is the use of fluoroscopy with the direct anterior approach. Studies have demonstrated that the supine position of the patient during surgery facilitates the use of fluoroscopic guidance, thus improving acetabular component position. A handheld, accelerometer based navigation unit for use in total hip replacement has recently become available to assist the surgeon in positioning the acetabular component during anterior approach THA, potentially reducing the need for intraoperative fluoroscopic studies. We sought to compare the radiographic results of direct anterior THA performed with conventional instrumentation vs. handheld navigation to determine the accuracy of the navigation unit, and to see whether or not there was a reduction in the fluoroscopic time used during surgery. Furthermore, we timed the use of the navigation unit to see whether or not it required a substantial addition to surgical time. Our results demonstrate that a handheld navigation unit used during anterior approach THA had no difference with regard to acetabular cup positioning when compared to fluoroscopically assisted THA, but led to a reduction in the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy time

Background:. Numerous studies have reported the importance of acetabular component positioning in decreasing dislocation rates, the risk of liner fractures, and bearing surface wear in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The goal of improving acetabular component positioning has led to the development of computer-assisted surgical (CAS) techniques, and several studies have demonstrated improved results when compared to conventional, freehand methods. Recently, a computed tomography (CT)-based robotic surgery system has been developed (MAKO™ Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopaedic System, MAKO Surgical Corp., Fort Lauderdale, FLA, USA), with promising improvements in component alignment and surgical precision. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy in predicting the postoperative acetabular component position between the MAKO™ robotic navigation system and an imageless, CAS system (AchieveCAS, Smith and Nephew Inc., Memphis, TN, USA). Materials and Methods:. 30 THAs performed using the robotic navigation system (robotic cohort) were available for review, and compared to the most recent 30 THAs performed using the imageless, CAS system (CAS cohort). The final, intraoperative reading for acetabular abduction and anteversion provided by each navigation system was recorded following each THA. Einsel-Bild-Roentgen analysis was used to measure the acetabular component abduction and anteversion based on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs obtained at each patient's first, postoperative visit (Figure 1). Two observers, blinded to the treatment arms, independently measured all the acetabular components, and the results were assessed for inter-observer reliability. Comparing the difference between the final, intraoperative reading for both acetabular abduction and anteversion, and the radiographic alignment calculated using EBRA analysis, allowed assessment of the intraoperative predictive capability of each system, and accuracy in determining the postoperative acetabular component position. In addition, the number of acetabular components outside of the “safe zone” (40° + 10° of abduction, 15° + 10° of anteversion), as described by Lewinnek et al., was assessed. Lastly, the operative time for each surgery was recorded. Results:. In the robotic cohort, the mean, absolute difference between the intraoperative reading and the postoperative alignment was 4.3° + 2.3° for acetabular abduction, and 3.2° + 2.3° for acetabular anteversion. In comparison, in the CAS cohort, the mean, absolute difference was 3.7° + 2.8° for acetabular abduction (p = 0.4), and 3.8° + 2.7° for acetabular anteversion (p = 0.4). In both cohorts, all of the acetabular components were placed within 40° + 10° of abduction. In the robotic cohort, 27 of 30 components were placed within 15° + 10° of anteversion, versus 25 of 30 components in the CAS cohort (p = 0.7). The interobserver correlation coefficients for measurement of both the acetabular abduction and anteversion were good (p = 0.83 and 0.79, respectively). A statistically significant difference was appreciated between the two cohorts for operative times, with a mean operative time of 120.2 + 8.9 minutes in the robotic cohort (vs. 73.6 + 17.1 minutes in the CAS cohort, p < 0.01). Discussion:. This study demonstrates the robotic navigation system to require significantly increased operative times, while providing no significant advantage over the imageless, CAS system with regards to predicting the postoperative acetabular component position

Highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) has been used with great clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) since its debut in the late 1990's. However, reports regarding this bearing couple in its second decade of service are still scant. The aim of this study was to 1. Determine the long term clinical and radiological results and 2. Investigate what factors affect wear rates using a metal-on-HXLPE bearing articulation. 55 THA's using a single brand of HXLPE liner, cementless cup and 28mm hip ball were performed in 44 patients. Age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and need for revision surgery were recorded. Linear and volumetric wear was determined using the Martell method. Mean age at operation was 51.2 (29–73 +/− 12.1) years. Mean duration of follow up was 16.9 years (range 15.0–20.1 +/− 1.1 years). Osteolysis was not present in the latest follow up radiographs. Median linear and volumetric wear rate was 0.035mm/year (95% CI 0.031–0.047) and 7.12mm. 3. /year (95% CI 6.92–17.25) respectively. Acetabular component position was not found to be related to both linear and volumetric wear. No significant difference was found in the linear and volumetric wear rates of thinner and thicker liners (8mm or below and > 8mm) (p=0.827 and p=0.843 respectively). HXLPE is associated with very low linear and volumetric wear rates which has virtually obviated osteolysis and has translated to excellent survivorship even at long term follow up. In-vivo oxidation does not appear to be of clinical concern at this point in its service cycle

Background. Supine positioning during direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (DAA THA) facilitates use of fluoroscopy, which has been shown to improve acetabular component positioning on plane radiograph. This study aims to compare 2- dimensional intraoperative radiographic measurements of acetabular component position with RadLink to postoperative 3- dimensional SterEOS measurements. Methods. Intraoperative fluoroscopy and RadLink (El Segundo, CA) were used to measure acetabular cup position intraoperatively in 48 patients undergoing DAA THA. Cup position was measured on 6-week postoperative standing EOS images using 3D SterEOS software and compared to RadLink findings using Student's t-test. Safe-zone outliers were identified. We evaluated for measurement difference of > +/− 5 degrees. Results. RadLink acetabular cup abduction measurement (mean 43.0°) was not significantly different than 3D SterEOS in the anatomic plane (mean 42.6°, p = 0.50) or in the functional plane (mean 42.7°, p = 0.61) (Fig. 1–2). RadLink acetabular cup anteversion measurement (mean 17.9°) was significantly different than 3D SterEOS in both the anatomic plane (mean 20.6°, p = 0.022) and the functional plane (mean 21.2°, p = 0.002) (Fig. 3–4). RadLink identified two cups outside of the safe-zone. However, SterEOS identified 12 (anatomic plane) and 10 (functional plane) outside of the safe-zone (Fig. 5–7). In the functional plane, 58% of anteversion and 92% of abduction RadLink measurements were within +/− 5° of 3D SterEOS. Conclusion. Intraoperative fluoroscopic RadLink acetabular anteversion measurements are significantly different than 3D SterEOS measurements, while abduction measurements are similar. Significantly more acetabular cups are placed outside of the safe- zone when evaluated with 3D SterEOS versus RadLink

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. Methods. This study investigated patients with preoperative posterior hypermobility, defined as a change in sacral slope (SS) from standing to sitting (ΔSS. stand-sit. ) ≥ 30°. Radiological spinopelvic parameters, including SS, pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI-LL mismatch, anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPt), and spinopelvic tilt (SPT), were measured on preoperative imaging, and at six weeks and a minimum of one year postoperatively. The severity of bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA) was graded using Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Results. A total of 136 patients were identified as having preoperative spinopelvic hypermobility. At one year after THA, 95% (129/136) of patients were no longer categorized as hypermobile on standing and sitting radiographs (ΔSS. stand-sit. < 30°). Mean ΔSS. stand-sit. decreased from 36.4° (SD 5.1°) at baseline to 21.4° (SD 6.6°) at one year (p < 0.001). Mean SS. seated. increased from baseline (11.4° (SD 8.8°)) to one year after THA by 11.5° (SD 7.4°) (p < 0.001), which correlates to an 8.5° (SD 5.5°) mean decrease in seated functional cup anteversion. Contralateral hip OA was the only radiological predictor of hypermobility persisting at one year after surgery. The overall reoperation rate was 1.5%. Conclusion. Spinopelvic hypermobility was found to resolve in the majority (95%) of patients one year after THA. The increase in SS. seated. was clinically significant, suggesting that current target recommendations for the hypermobile patient (decreased anteversion and inclination) should be revisited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1766–1773

Abstract. Objectives. Non-technical skills including teamwork play a pivotal role in surgical outcomes. Virtual reality is effective at improving technical skills, however there is a paucity of evidence on team-based virtual reality (VR) training. This study aimed to assess if multiplayer virtual reality training was superior to solo training for acquisition of both technical and non-technical skills in learning the complex anterior approach total hip arthroplasty operation. Methods. 10 novice surgeons and 10 novice scrub nurses, were randomised to solo or team virtual reality training to perform anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. Solo participants trained with virtual avatar counterparts, whilst teams trained in pairs (surgeon and scrub nurse). Both groups underwent 5 VR training sessions over 6 weeks. Then, they underwent a real-life assessment in which they performed AA-THA on a high-fidelity model with real equipment in a simulated operating theatre. Teams performed together and solo participants were randomly paired up with a solo player of the opposite role. Videos of the assessment were marked by two blinded expert assessors. Outcomes were procedure time, procedural errors from an expert pre-defined protocol and acetabular component positioning. Non-technical skills were assessed using the NOTECHs II and NOTSS scores. Results. Teams were 28.11% faster than solos in the real world assessment (31.22 minutes ±2.02 vs 43.43 ±2.71, p=0.01), with 34.91% less errors (−15.25 errors ±3.09 vs −23.43 ±1.84, p=0.04). Teams had significantly higher NOTSS and NOTECHS II scores when compared to solos (p<0.001). 8/10 surgeons placed the acetabular component within the target safe zone. Conclusions. Multiplayer training appears to lead to faster surgery with fewer technical errors and the development of superior non-technical skills. VR learnt skills appear to translate to the physical world. This supports the application of multidisciplinary learning to create a more integrated approach to surgical team training

Abstract. Objectives. Evidence supporting the use of immersive virtual reality (iVR) training in orthopaedic procedures is rapidly growing. However, the impact of the timing of delivery of this training is yet to be tested. This study investigated whether spaced iVR training is more effective than massed iVR training for novices learning hip arthroplasty. Methods. 24 medical students with no hip arthroplasty experience were randomised to learning total hip arthroplasty using the same iVR simulation training either once-weekly or once-daily for four sessions. Participants underwent a baseline physical world assessment to orientate an acetabular component on a saw bone pelvis, and a baseline knowledge test. In iVR, we recorded procedural errors, time, numbers of prompts required and path lengths of the hands and head across 4 sessions. To assess skill retention, the iVR and baseline physical world assessments were repeated at one-week and one-month. Results. Baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). The daily group demonstrated faster skills acquisition, reducing the mean number of procedural errors from 76.8±37.5 (S1) to 11.1±10.1 (S4), compared to the weekly group improvement from 71.1±19.1 (S1) to 17.2±10.6 (S4), p < 0.001. The weekly group error count plateaued remaining at 16±6.7 at 1-week and 17.5±8.5 at one-month, the daily group however, showed poor retention with error counts rising to 17.8±10.5 at 1 week and becoming higher than the weekly group at one-month to (23.2±13.0 vs 17.5±10.5). A similar effect was noted for procedural time and the number of assistive prompts. In the real-world assessment, both groups significantly improved the accuracy of their acetabular component positioning, these improvements were equally maintained. Conclusions. Daily iVR training facilitates faster skills acquisition, however weekly practice has superior skills retention. Skills learnt using both regimes demonstrate sustained transfer to the real-world

Introduction. Acetabular component position is considered a major factor affecting the etiology of hip dislocation. The ‘Lewinnek safe zone’ has been the most widely accepted range for component position to avoid hip dislocation, but recent studies suggest that this safe zone is outdated. We used a large prospective institutional registry to ask: 1) is there a ‘safe zone’ for acetabular component position, as measured on an anteroposterior radiograph, within which the risk of hip dislocation is low?, and 2) do other patient and implant factors affect the risk of hip dislocation?. Materials and Methods. From 2007 to 2012, 19,449 patients (22,097 hip procedures) were recorded in an IRB approved prospective total joint replacement registry. All patients who underwent primary THA were prospectively enrolled, of which 9,107 patients consented to participate in the registry. An adverse event survey (80% compliance) was used to identify patients who reported a dislocation event in the six months after hip replacement surgery. Postoperative AP radiographs of hips that dislocated were matched with AP radiographs of stable hips, and acetabular position was measured using Ein Bild Röntgen Analyse software. Dislocators in radiographic zones (± 5°, ± 10°, ± 15° boundaries) were counted for every 1° of anteversion and inclination angles. Results. The frequency of dislocation was 2.1% (147 of 7040 patients) over the six months following primary THA. No significant difference was found in the number of dislocated hips among the zones (Figure 1). Dislocators were significantly older (p=0.012) and less active (p=0.001) compared to nondislocators (Figure 2). Patients <50 years old (p=0.007) and patients ≥70 years old (p=0.019) had a two-fold higher risk of dislocation. Dislocators <50 years old were less active preoperatively than nondislocators (p=0.006). A trend suggested larger head sizes had a lower frequency of dislocation (Figure 3). Conclusions. Acetabular component position alone is not protective against instability. Age and activity level significantly affect the occurrence of dislocation after total hip replacement

Acetabular implant position is important for the stability, function, and long-term wear properties of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prior studies of acetabular implant positioning have demonstrated a high percentage of outliers, even in experienced hip surgeons, when conventional instruments are used. Computer navigation is an attractive tool for use in THA, as it has been shown to improve the precision of acetabular component placement and reduce the incidence of outliers. However, computer navigation with imageless, large-console systems is costly and often interrupts the surgeon's workflow, and thus, has not been widely adopted. Another method to improve acetabular component positioning during THA is the use of fluoroscopy with the direct anterior approach. Studies have demonstrated that the supine position of the patient during surgery facilitates the use of fluoroscopic guidance, thus improving acetabular component position. A handheld, accelerometer-based navigation unit for use in total hip replacement has recently become available to assist the surgeon in positioning the acetabular component during anterior approach THA, potentially reducing the need for intra-operative fluoroscopic studies. We sought to compare the radiographic results of direct anterior THA performed with conventional instrumentation vs. handheld navigation to determine the accuracy of the navigation unit, and to see whether or not there was a reduction in the fluoroscopic time used during surgery. Furthermore, we timed the use of the navigation unit to see whether or not it required a substantial addition to surgical time. Our results demonstrate that a handheld navigation unit used during anterior approach THA had no difference with regard to acetabular cup positioning when compared to fluoroscopically assisted THA, but led to a reduction in the use of intra-operative fluoroscopy time

Aims. The aims of this study were to determine the change in pelvic sagittal alignment before, during, and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) undertaken with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, and to determine the impact of these changes on acetabular component position. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively compared the radiological pelvic ratio among 91 patients undergoing THA. In total, 41 patients (46%) were female. The mean age was 61.6 years (. sd. 10.7) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 20.0 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 5.5). Anteroposterior radiographs were obtained: in the standing position preoperatively and at six weeks postoperatively; in the lateral decubitus position after trial reduction intraoperatively; and in the supine position in the post-anaesthesia care unit. Pelvic ratio was defined as the ratio between the vertical distance from the inferior aspect of the sacroiliac (SI) joints to the superior pubic symphysis and the horizontal distance between the inferior aspect of the SI joints. Changes in the apparent component position based on changes in pelvic ratio were determined, with a change of > 5° considered clinically significant. Analyses were performed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results. Intraoperatively, in the lateral decubitus position, the pelvic ratio increased (anterior tilt) in 69.4% of cases, did not change significantly in 20.4%, and decreased (posterior tilt) in 10.2% of cases. When six-week postoperative radiographs were compared with preoperative radiographs, the pelvic ratio decreased in 44.9% of cases, did not change significantly in 42.3%, and increased in 12.8% of cases. This change in alignment correlated with a change in acetabular component version of > 5° in 79.6% of cases intraoperatively and 57.7% of cases at six weeks postoperatively. Conclusion. Changes in pelvic sagittal pelvic position occur throughout THA that, if unaccounted for, introduce errors in acetabular component placement. The use of intraoperative imaging may help the appropriate placement of the acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):45–50

The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of component positioning and incidence of peri-operative and 90-day post-operative complications following robotic arm-assisted and conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA). Three groups of patients were analyzed for this study: those that underwent conventional THA performed by Surgeon 1, conventional THA performed by Surgeon 2, or robotic arm-assisted THA performed by Surgeon 2. All patients underwent primary uncemented THA via a posterior approach. Patient characteristics, intra-operative data, and 90-day post-operative complications were collected. Post-operative standing pelvic radiographs were utilized to measure acetabular position and to identify post-operative complications. Acetabular component position measurements revealed substantially less variation in both inclination and anteversion in the Surgeon 2 – Robotic group. Nine patients had intra-operative cables placed for intra-operative calcar fracture in the Surgeon 1 group compared to one patient and three patients in Surgeon 2 – Robotic and Surgeon 2 – Traditional groups, respectively. Nine instances of femoral stems subsidence were identified in the Surgeon 1 group compared to one patient in Surgeon 2 – Traditional. There were four instances of dislocation in the Surgeon 1 group compared to one in the Surgeon 2 – Robotic group. Robotic arm-assisted THA decreases the variation in acetabular component positioning compared to conventional THA. However, the benefit of this is unclear as there is little difference in dislocation rate. This study may demonstrate additional value in CT-based implant planning as this cohort had the lowest incidence of femoral component complications

Introduction. The longevity of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is dependent on acetabular component position. We measured the reliability and accuracy of a CT-based navigation system to achieve the intended acetabular component position and orientation using three dimensional imaging. The purpose of the current study was to determine if the CT-guided robotic navigation system could accurately achieve the desired acetabular component position (center of rotation (COR)) and orientation (inclination and anteversion). The postoperative orientation and location of the components was determined in 20 patients undergoing THA using CT images, the gold standard for acetabular component orientation. Methods. Twenty primary unilateral THA patients were enrolled in this IRB-approved, prospective cohort study to assess the accuracy of the robotic navigation system. Pre- and post-operative CT exams were obtained and aligned 3D segmented models were used to measure the difference in center of rotation and orientation (anteversion and inclination). Patients with pre-existing implants, posttraumatic arthritis, contralateral hip arthroplasty, septic arthritis, or previous hip fracture were excluded. All patients underwent unilateral THA using robotic arm CT-guided navigation (RIO Makoplasty; MAKO Surgical Corp). Results. Mean age was 59.25 years (±8.65 years), 55% of patients were female (11/20). Root mean square (RMS) errors between the intended intraoperative and actual postoperative COR position was measured in the medial/lateral (M/L), superior/inferior (S/I), and anterior/posterior (A/P) directions to quantify the accuracy of the CT-based robotic navigation system. The error in COR was variable (Fig. 4). The M/L distance error was 1.29 mm (SD: 1.18 mm; range: −2.61 – 1.13 mm). The S/I distance error was 1.81 mm (SD: 1.56 mm; range: −2.19 – 3.0 mm). The A/P distance error was 1.50 mm (SD: 1.50 mm; range: −3.53 – 2.23 mm). The mean difference between the intraoperative intended anteversion and postoperative actual anteversion was 2.2° ±1.6° with an RMS error of 2.73°. The mean difference in intraoperative intended inclination and postoperative actual inclination was 3.3° ± 1.7° with an RMS error of 3.71°. The robotic navigation system was more reliable in achieving the intended anteversion than intended inclination. The ICC for anteversion was 0.92 (95% CI 0.91–0.97), compared to ICC 0.74 (95% CI 0.49–0.89) for inclination. Conclusion. Our results suggest that CT-based navigation for THA is accurate for achieving intended cup center of rotation and both reliable and accurate in reproducing the intended cup orientation. Future research will focus on the use of a CT-based robotic navigation system to assist surgeons in the execution of a kinematic-based plan to eliminate impingement to reduce THA instability while maximizing range of motion

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty is considered to be one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions. Acetabular component positioning has been shown to affect dislocation rates, component impingement, bearing surface wear rates, and need for revision surgery. The safe zones of acetabular component positioning have previously been described by Lewinnek et al. as 5 to 25 degrees of cup version and 30 to 50 degrees of inclination. Callanan et al. later modified the inclination to 30 to 45 degrees. Our aim was to assess whether THA via robotic assisted posterior approach (PA) improves acetabular component positioning compared to fluoroscopic guided anterior approach THA (AA). Methods. Subjects. This study is a matched-pair case-control study using prospectively collected data from THAs done between January 2012 and December 2013. Patients who underwent primary THA using the PA or AA by the senior surgeons (MH and JAR) were included in the study. Ninety-six patients (of 176; 55%) underwent AA and 80 (of 176; 45%) underwent PA THAs. The matching process was performed by an observer blinded to the radiographic outcomes (EK). Patients were matched for sex and BMI +− 8 units. Seventy-nine patients who had AAs were manually matched to 79 patients who had PAs. Surgical Techniques. For the AA THAs, the patient is supine and the approach is performed through a modified smith Peterson approach. Acetabular cup positioning is assessed intraoperatively with fluoroscopy. For the PA THAs, the patient in the lateral position using the posterior approach. Acetabular cup positioning was guided by the MAKO robotic hip system using preoperative CT scans of the involved hip. Radiographic Measurements. The radiographic measurements were done manually using a standardized technique by two observers blinded to the type of arthroplasty performed. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test user dependent variability. Means were used for final calculations. Statistical Analysis. The average cup inclination and anteversion angles were calculated. Calculation of the number of hips that were in the safe zones of Lewinnek (inclination, 30°–50°; anteversion, 5°–25°) and Callanan (inclination, 30°–45°; anteversion, 5°–25°) regarding inclination, anteversion, and a combination of both were done for both groups. Independent t-tests were performed to compare both groups for sex, BMI, and inclination and anteversion angles. Fisher's exact test was used to compare both groups regarding the number of hips in the safe zones of Lewinnek and Callanan. Relative risk and absolute risk reduction were calculated. Results. There was no significant difference in BMI between the two groups. Intraobserver agreement was found to be .92 and 0.82 for inclination and anteversion, respectively. Compared to fluoroscopic guided THAs, THAs performed with robot assistance were found to be more often in the safe zone of Lewinnek (90% vs. 75%, p=0.02, RR 0.40 [0.19–0.85] p=0.01). This pattern was observed in the zone of Callanan and approached statistical significance (80% vs. 68%, p=0.11, RR 0.64 [0.37–1.10] p=0.11). Conclusion. Compared to fluoroscopic assisted THA, robot assisted THAs are more likely to be within the safe zone of Callanan and Lewinnek

Acetabular implant position is important for the stability, function, and long-term wear properties of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prior studies of acetabular implant positioning have demonstrated a high percentage of outliers, even for experienced hip surgeons, when conventional instruments are used. Computer navigation is an attractive tool for use in THA, as it has been shown to improve the precision of acetabular component placement and reduce the incidence of outliers. However, computer navigation with imageless, large-console systems is costly and often interrupts the surgeon's workflow, and thus has not been widely adopted. Another method to improve acetabular component positioning during THA is the use of fluoroscopy with the direct anterior approach. Studies have demonstrated that the supine position of the patient during surgery facilitates the use of fluoroscopic guidance, thus improving acetabular component position. A handheld, accelerometer based navigation unit for use in total hip replacement has recently become available to assist the surgeon in positioning the acetabular component during anterior approach THA, potentially reducing the need for intra-operative fluoroscopic studies. We sought to compare the radiographic results of direct anterior THA performed with conventional instrumentation vs. handheld navigation to determine the accuracy of the navigation unit, and to see whether or not there was a reduction in the fluoroscopic time used during surgery. Furthermore, we timed the use of the navigation unit to see whether or not it required a substantial addition to surgical time. Our results demonstrate that a handheld navigation unit used during anterior approach THA had no difference with regard to acetabular cup positioning when compared to fluoroscopically assisted THA, but led to a reduction in the use of intra-operative fluoroscopy time

Problem. Total hip replacement (THA) is among the most common and highest total spend elective operations in the United States. However, up to 7% of patients have 90-day complications after surgery, most frequently joint dislocation that is related to poor acetabular component positioning. These complications lead to patient morbidity and mortality, as well as significant cost to the health system. As such, surgeons and hospitals value navigation technology, but existing solutions including robotics and optical navigation are costly, time-consuming, and complex to learn, resulting in limited uptake globally. Solution. Augmented reality represents a navigation solution that is rapid, accurate, intuitive, easy to learn, and does not require large and costly equipment in the operating room. In addition to providing cutting edge technology to specialty orthopedic centers, augmented reality is a very attractive solution for lower volume and smaller operative settings such as ambulatory surgery centers that cannot justify purchases of large capital equipment navigation systems. Product. HipInsight™ is an augmented reality solution for navigation of the acetabular component in THA. HipInsight is a navigation solution that includes preoperative, cloud based surgical planning based on patient imaging and surgeon preference of implants as well as intraoperative guidance for placement of the acetabular component. Once the patient specific surgical plan is generated on the cloud-based planning system, holograms showing the optimal planned position of the acetabular component are exported in holographic format to a Microsoft HoloLens 2™, which the surgeon wears during placement of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty. The pelvis is registered using the HipXpert™ mechanical registration device, which takes 2–3 minutes to dock in the operating room. The surgeon then is able to view the patient's anatomy and optimal placement of the acetabular component under the skin in augmented reality. The surgeon then aligns the real cup impactor with the augmented reality projection of the cup impactor resulting in precise placement of the cup. Timescales. HipInsight was FDA cleared on January 28, 2021 for intraoperative use for placement of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty. The first case was performed in February 2021, and the product was launched to a select group of orthopedic surgeons in March 2021. Funding. HipInsight has been self-funded to date, and is beginning to engage in discussions to raise capital for a rapidly scaling commercial launch

Orientation of the native acetabular plane as defined by the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) and the posterior labrum was measured intra-operatively using computer-assisted navigation in 39 hips. In order to assess the influence of alignment on impingement, the range of movement was calculated for that defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum and compared with a standard acetabular component position (abduction 45°/anteversion 15°). With respect to the registration of the plane defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum, there was moderate interobserver agreement (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and intra-observer reproducibility (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). The mean acetabular component orientation achieved was abduction of 41° (32° to 51°) and anteversion of 18° (−1° to 36°). With respect to the Lewinnek safe zone (abduction 40° ±10°, anteversion 15° ±10°), 35 of the 39 acetabular components were within this zone. However, there was no improvement in the range of movement (p = 0.94) and no significant difference in impingement (p = 0.085). Alignment of the acetabular component with the TAL and the posterior labrum might reduce the variability of acetabular component placement in total hip replacement. However, there is only a moderate interobserver agreement and intra-observer reliability in the alignment of the acetabular component using the TAL and the posterior labrum. No reduction in impingement was found when the acetabular component was aligned with the TAL and the posterior labrum, compared with a standard acetabular component position

Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to compare accuracy in restoring the native centre of hip rotation in patients undergoing conventional manual total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus robotic-arm assisted THA. Secondary objectives were to determine differences between these treatment techniques for THA in achieving the planned combined offset, component inclination, component version, and leg-length correction. Materials and Methods. This prospective cohort study included 50 patients undergoing conventional manual THA and 25 patients receiving robotic-arm assisted THA. Patients undergoing conventional manual THA and robotic-arm assisted THA were well matched for age (mean age, 69.4 years (. sd. 5.2) vs 67.5 years (. sd. 5.8) (p = 0.25); body mass index (27.4 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 2.1) vs 26.9 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 2.2); p = 0.39); and laterality of surgery (right = 28, left = 22 vs right = 12, left = 13; p = 0.78). All operative procedures were undertaken by a single surgeon using the posterior approach. Two independent blinded observers recorded all radiological outcomes of interest using plain radiographs. Results. The correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 0.95) for intraobserver agreement and 0.88 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.94) for interobserver agreement in all study outcomes. Robotic THA was associated with improved accuracy in restoring the native horizontal (p < 0.001) and vertical (p < 0.001) centres of rotation, and improved preservation of the patient’s native combined offset (p < 0.001) compared with conventional THA. Robotic THA improved accuracy in positioning of the acetabular component within the combined safe zones of inclination and anteversion described by Lewinnek et al (p = 0.02) and Callanan et al (p = 0.01) compared with conventional THA. There was no difference between the two treatment groups in achieving the planned leg-length correction (p = 0.10). Conclusion. Robotic-arm assisted THA was associated with improved accuracy in restoring the native centre of rotation, better preservation of the combined offset, and more precise acetabular component positioning within the safe zones of inclination and anteversion compared with conventional manual THA

Minimally invasive total hip replacement surgery not only decreases the number of visual cues necessary for proper acetabular component position, the small incision makes it technically more difficult to use traditional mechanical alignment guides. Furthermore, traditional mechanical guides have been shown to be unable to accurately predict component position as determined by intraoperative computer measurements.[ 1,2 ] Computer assisted intraoperative navigation can enable minimally invasive surgery by giving the surgeon immediate intra-operative feedback of actual component position. We wished to compare the intraoperative computer determined measurement of acetabular inclination with the postoperative radiographic measurement of inclination in order to validate the results of the computer assisted measurements in the clinical setting. To determine whether computer assisted navigation of the acetabular component allows the surgeon to accurately place the prosthesis in minimally invasive hip replacement and to compare the results of intraoperative navigation with the postoperative radiograph. 42 consecutive patients underwent a minimally invasive posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty with the assistance of CT based intraoperative navigation with the BrainLAB VectorVision software. Preoperative surgical planning was performed after acquisition of a CT scan. All components were templated to be placed in 45 degrees of inclination and 25 degrees of anteversion. Intraoperatively, cementless acetabular components were aligned with the computer navigation at these values prior to implant impaction. Because of the press fit nature and limited soft tissue exposure, many components would shift during impaction. Final component position was then verified and values recorded by detecting points on the acetabular surface. If the prosthesis was felt to be in an acceptable position, no attempt was made to modify component position to the predetermined values in order to avoid potentially compromising component fixation. Postoperative supine AP pelvis radiography was then used to determine final inclination. Measurements were made by drawing a line perpendicular to the acetabular teardrop and parallel to the acetabular component and measured with a standard goniometer. These data were then placed in an SPSS database and analyzed by an independent statistician. Assessing acetabular component position in routine total hip arthroplasty has been shown to be unreliable even with experienced surgeons with mechanical alignment guides. [1,3] In minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty, routine visual cues are limited and mechanical instruments are difficult to place in the small operative wounds making an already difficult task even more difficult. CT based image guided surgery can has been shown to improve the acetabular component position intraoperatively 2. However, postoperative validation studies comparing the intraoperative computer assessment with the postoperative radiographic measurement are scarce. [ 2 ] In this consecutive series, which represents the author’s first experience with this technology, several conclusions can be made. First, the act of impacting a solid, porous coated, hemispherical cementless acetabular component in minimally invasive hip surgery often leads to a final component position different from the intended position. Second, computer generated determination of implant position is reliable but care must be taken to make sure the reference arrays do not lose fixation during the procedure or spurious results can occur. Third, routine AP pelvis radiographic measurements are not accurate enough to determine whether the computer determined values are accurate. In spite of these measurement inaccuracies, the computer determined results and the radiographic results were within 10 degress 95 % of the time which is far more accurate than results obtained with mechanical alignment tools 3. Finally, further validation studies need to be done with postoperative CT scanning to determine the accuracy of the intraoperative computerized measurements and determine the measurement errors inherent in the clinical setting. Given these limitations, computer assisted navigation improves the accuracy and reliability of acetabular component position over traditional mechanical instruments and can be utilized in minimally invasive hip surgery to assist in the appropriate placement of the acetabular prosthesis

Background. Acetabulum positioning affects dislocation rates, component impingement, bearing surface wear rates, and need for revision surgery. Novel techniques purport to improve the accuracy and precision of acetabular component position, but may come have significant learning curves. Our aim was to assess whether adopting robotic or fluoroscopic techniques improve acetabulum positioning compared to manual THA during the learning curve. Methods. Three types of THAs were compared in this retrospective cohort: 1) the first 100 fluoroscopically guided direct anterior THAs (fluoroscopic anterior, FA) done by a posterior surgeon learning the anterior approach, 2) the first 100 robotic assisted posterior THAs done by a surgeon learning robotic assisted surgery (robotic posterior, RP) and 3) the last 100 manual posterior THAs done by each surgeon (total 200 THAs) prior to adoption of novel techniques (manual posterior, MP). Component position was measured on plain radiographs. Radiographic measurements were done by two blinded observers. The percentage of hips within the surgeons' target zone (inclination 30°–50°, anteversion 10°–30°) was calculated, along with the percentage within the safe zone of Lewinnek (inclination 30°–50°; anteversion 5°–25°) and Callanan (inclination 30°–45°; anteversion 5°–25°). Relative risk and absolute risk reduction were calculated. Variances (square of the SDs) were used to describe the variability of cup position. Results. 76% of MP THAs were within the surgeons' target zone compared with 84% of FA THAs and 97% of RP THAs. This difference was statistically significant, associated with a relative risk reduction of 87% (RR 0.13 [0.04–0.40], p<.01, ARR 21%, NNT 5) for RP compared to MP THAs. Compared to FA THAs, RP THAs were associated with a relative risk reduction of 81% (RR 0.19 [0.06–0.62], p<.01, ARR 13%, NNT 8). Variances were lower for acetabulum inclination and anteversion in RP THAs (14.0 and 19.5) as compared to the MP (37.5 and 56.3) and FA (24.5 and 54.6) groups. These differences were statistically significant (P<.01). Conclusion. Adoption of robotic techniques delivers significant and immediate improvement in the precision of acetabular component positioning during the learning curve. While fluoroscopy has been shown to be beneficial with experience, a learning curve exists before precision improves significantly

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the rate of wear between acetabular components positioned within and outside the ‘safe zones’ of anteversion and inclination angle. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 100 hips in 94 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at least ten years previously. Patients all had the same type of acetabular component with a bearing couple which consisted of a 28 mm cobalt-chromium head on a highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner. A supine radiostereometric analysis (RSA) examination was carried out which acquired anteroposterior (AP) and lateral paired images. Acetabular component anteversion and inclination angles were measured as well as total femoral head penetration, which was divided by the length of implantation to determine the rate of polyethylene wear. Results. The mean anteversion angle was 19.4° (-15.2° to 48°, . sd. 11.4°), the mean inclination angle 43.4° (27.3° to 60.5°, . sd. 6.6°), and the mean wear rate 0.055 mm/year (. sd. 0.060). Exactly half of the hips were positioned inside the ‘safe zone’. There was no difference (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.091) in the rate of wear between acetabular components located within or outside the ‘safe zone’. When compared to acetabular components located inside the ‘safe zone’, the wear rate was no different for acetabular components that only achieved the target anteversion angle (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.138), target inclination angle (median difference, 0.013 mm/year; p = 0.354), or neither target (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.322). Conclusion. Placing the acetabular component within or outside the ‘safe zone’ did not alter the wear rate of HXLPE at long-term follow-up to a level that risked osteolysis. HXLPE appears to be a forgiving bearing material in terms of articular surface wear, but care must still be taken to position the acetabular component correctly so that the implant is stable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:891-7

Total hip replacement is among the most successful interventions in medicine and has been termed “The Operation of the Century”. Most major problems have been solved including femoral fixation, acetabular fixation, and wear. With a success rate of over 95% at 10 years in both hip and knee arthroplasty in a number of studies, the question remains as to whether the current status quo is optimal or acceptable. The literature, however, reports are from centers that represent optimised results and registry data, including the Medicare database, indicates that substantial short-term problems persist. The major issue is the variability in the performance of the procedure. The inability to consistently position components, particularly the acetabular component, results in major problems including instability and limb length discrepancy. A report by Malchau, et al. reveals that even among the best surgeons, optimal acetabular component positioning is only achieved 50% of the time. The penalty for missing the target is increased incidence of instability, increased wear rate, and diminished function due to restricted motion. Complications are related to position and a major potential explanation is the impact of patient position. Traditional imaging presents a two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional view of the patient and the patient is in a supine, non-functional position at the time that imaging is performed. Adverse events attributed to malposition, however, occur in functional positions and there is evidence that the orientation of the pelvis changes from the supine position at which imaging is performed. This topic has been studied extensively on three continents and the consensus is that the pelvis shifts on the order of 30–40 degrees from the supine to standing and sitting and furthermore, the acetabular component position changes proportionally with the rotation of the pelvis that occurs. How do we incorporate this information into imaging arthroplasty patients? This would require imaging the entire body, acquiring AP and lateral images simultaneously so that 3D imaging can be performed, performing imaging in a functional position (standing or sitting) and optimally at a lower radiation dose since these patients have repeated images and therefore a cumulative radiation dose over their lifetime. This technology was FDA approved for use in the hip and knee in 2011 and pilot studies have been performed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to validate the number of the hip and knee arthroplasty applications. In conclusion, weightbearing and rotation have substantial impact on the standard measurements obtained before and after hip and knee arthroplasty. These differences in measurements between supine, sitting, and standing as well as correction for rotation may explain the lack of a stronger correlation between component position and a variety of complications that are observed such as variability in wear rates as well as instability. In knee arthroplasty, the change in mechanical axis that occurs from restoring all of patients to a neutral mechanical axis may explain some of the persistent pain and dissatisfaction that has been recently been reported at a relatively high percentage of knee arthroplasty patients. Because of the numerous potential clinical implications of three-dimensional weightbearing imaging, it is likely that the future of arthroplasty imaging will focus on functional three-dimensional imaging of the patient

Acetabular component malposition is the cause of half of all cases of recurrent hip dislocation. Intraoperative xrays after component insertion are helpful, yet it is certainly more useful to know the exact component position before final component insertion. The current study reviews results of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation. A prospective study of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation was conducted in 22 hips of 21 patients. The technique involves insertion of a dynamic reference frame onto the pelvis during the surgical exposure and the acquisition of AP fluoroscopic views of each hip. Using the Fluoronav software and the ION surgical navigation system (Medtronics, Louisville, Colorado) a virtual horizontal line was then drawn between the teardrops. Acetabular component abduction was then aimed for 41 degrees. Component abduction was measured intra-operatively during component insertion by measuring the angle between the acetabular insertion handle and the virtual horizontal line between the teardrops. Post-operative xrays were analyzed for acetabular component abduction angle. Using surgical navigation and aiming for 41 degrees of abduction resulted in post-operative cup positions averaging 40.8 degrees (range 37 to 44 degrees). These results show dramatically improved accuracy as compared to 85 acetabular component inserted without navigation showing a mean abduction of 42.8 degrees but with a range of 25 to 59 degrees. Frame placement and image acquisition required about 10 minutes. All intra-operative imaging after component insertion in complex cases was unnecessary. Having the dynamic reference frame in place also allowed assessment of pelvic position during surgery. Pelvic orientation varied greatly between patients on the operating table from about 12 degrees abducted to 12 degrees adducted. Further, pelvic orientation varied during surgery. Surgical navigation allows extremely accurate positioning of the acetabular component at the time of total hip replacement surgery with an accuracy far greater than any study of acetabular component positioning reported in the literature. The pelvis is typically not orthogonal to the operating table during total hip arthroplasty and its position varies widely between patients and in the same patient during the procedure. Since acetabular component malposition represents the cause of half of all cases of recurrent dislocation, surgical navigation has been shown to directly address and potentially eliminate the problem of acetabular component malposition

Background. Several recent reports have documented high frequency of malpositioned acetabular components, even amongst high volume arthroplasty surgeons. Robotic assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) has the potential to improve component positioning; however, to our knowledge there are no reports examining the learning curve during the adoption of robotic assisted THA. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the learning curve of robotic assisted THA as measured by component position, operative time, intra-operative technical problems, and complications. Methods. The first 105 robotic-assisted THAs performed by a single surgeon with a posterior approach from June 2011 to August 2013 patients were divided into three groups based on the order of surgery. Group A was cases 1–35, group B 36–70 and group C 71–105. Component position, operative time, intra-operative technical problems, and intra-operative complications were recorded. Results. There was no significant difference between groups A, B, and C for BMI or age (Figure 1). Gender was different between groups with 20 males in group A, 9 in group B, and 16 in group C (p < 0.05). There was no difference for mean acetabular inclination, acetabular anteversion, or leg length discrepancy between groups as experience increased (p > 0.05) (Figure 2). The average operative time for groups A, B, and C was 79.8 ± 27 min, 63.2 ± 14.2 min, and 69.4 ± 16.3 min respectively (p = 0.02). The cumulative number of outliers was two for the Lewenick safe zone and six for the Callanan safe zone. Figure 3 displays acetabular component positioning in relation to previously documented safe zones for the three groups. The risk of having an acetabular component outside of Lewenick's safe zone was not different between groups (p = 0.60). The risk of having an acetabular component outside of Callanan's safe zone decreased after group A and was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Overall there were nine (9%) intra-operative technical problems and complications. In group A there were three complications: one loosened femoral array, one loosened pelvic array, and one cup that appeared erroneous according to the navigation system. In group B there was one femoral calcar fracture treated with a cerclage wire, one loosened femoral array, and one intra-operative delay. In group C there were three technical problems, all a loosened femoral array. There was no difference in the overall number of intra-operative complications between groups (p = 1.0). Conclusion. A learning curve was observed, as a decreased incidence of acetabular component outliers and decreased operative time were noted with increased experience. Satisfactory acetabular component positioning and leg length matching were found throughout the learning curve of robotic assisted total hip arthroplasty, with very few outliers in either category. Based on these findings, we conclude that there is a learning curve of approximately 35 cases in robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty

There are numerous factors that influence total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability including surgical approach, soft-tissue tensioning, impingement, abductor status, and component positioning. A long-held tenet regarding acetabular component positioning is that cup inclination and anteversion of 40 ± 10 degrees and 15 ± 10 degrees, respectively, represents a “safe zone” as to minimise dislocation after primary THA. However, several studies have recently challenged that notion for individual patients. A study completed by Abdel et al. identified a cohort of 9784 primary THAs performed at a single institution with 206 THAs (2%) that subsequently dislocated. The authors determined that 58% of the dislocated THAs had their acetabular component within the safe zone for both acetabular inclination and anteversion. When looked at separately, 84% had their inclination within the safe zone (mean value of 44 ± 8 degrees), and 69% had their anteversion within the safe zone (mean value of 15 ± 9 degrees). As such, surgeons should take into account that cup positioning alone does not determine the risk of instability following THA, as there are a multitude of other factors that can contribute to dislocation. Hip stability is multifactorial and likely patient-specific, and must take into account bony and muscular anatomy, static and dynamic soft tissue balance and intraoperative tensioning, and the functional demand and rehabilitative efforts of the patient

Introduction. The acetabular cup should be properly oriented to prevent dislocation and to reduce wear and leg length discrepancy. Despite advances in surgical techniques and instrumentation, achieving proper cup placement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is challenging with potentially large variations of cup position and limited accuracy. We evaluated whether cup placement on anatomical location ensured original center of rotation (COR) and surgeon's experiences of THA reduced variations in acetabular component positioning. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 145 patients (145 hips) of unilateral THAs with normal contralateral structures of acetabulum and femoral head. All surgeries were performed using the modified posterolateral approach that preserves short external rotator muscles. All of the 145 THAs were performed by two surgeons, who were in the same teaching hospital, but had differences in surgical experience and expertise for THA. The patients were divided into two groups based upon surgical experience: (1) the highly experienced surgeon's group: who had previously performed over 1000 THAs (YSK, 101 hips), and (2) the less experienced novice's group: who had performed fewer than 30 THAs (YWL, 44 hips). Real vertical distances, from the COR to the inter-tear drop line, and the real horizontal distances, from the COR to the lateral wall of the tear drop, were measured preoperatively using picture archiving communication system (PACS) based precise method. Postoperative ones were measured and equalized by use of a magnification marker placed on preoperative plain radiographs. And cup inclination was measured directly on the AP radiographs and anteversion was calculated by trigonometric functions. The patient's mean age was 52.1 years (range, 20–86). Results. The difference between preoperative and postoperative vertical distances of COR was mean 2.8±2.6 (range. −3.1–9.9) for the surgeon groups combined; it was mean 2.5±2.3 (range, −2.6–7.4) for the highly experienced surgeon and mean 3.7±2.9 (range, −3.1–9.9) for the less experienced surgeon(P = 0.009). The difference of horizontal distances of COR was mean 2.6±2.9 for the surgeon groups combined; it was mean 2.5±2.7 (range, −3.9–9.1) for the highly experienced surgeon and 2.8±3.3 (range, −2.8–10.2) for the less experienced surgeon(P = 0.87). The cup inclination was mean 43.4±7.6 (27.2–60.4) for the surgeon groups combined; it was mean 40.7±6.4 (range, 27.2–56.5) for the highly experienced surgeon and mean 49.4±6.5 (range, 29.2–60.4) for the less experienced surgeon (P = 0.001). The radiologic anteversion was mean 16.1±6.5 (range, 3.7–34.3) for the surgeon groups combined; it was mean 15.7±6.1 (range, 3.7–32.4) for the highly experienced surgeon and 17.2±7.2 (range, 5.1–34.33) for the less experienced surgeon (P = 0.194). 3 hips (7%) were dislocated in the novice's group, whereas none from the expert's group was dislocated. Discussion. In spite of the effort to restore anatomical COR, the cup COR tends to be located superiorly and medially compared to the original COR due to the influence of acetabular component and intended medialization of cup placement. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that a surgical experience could reduce variations in acetabular component positioning

Background. The current orthopaedic literature demonstrates a clear relationship between acetabular component positioning, polyethylene wear and risk of dislocation following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Problems with edge loading, stripe wear and squeaking are also associated with higher acetabular inclination angles, particularly in hard-on-hard bearing implants. The important parameters of acetabular component positioning are depth, height, version and inclination. Acetabular component depth, height and version can be controlled with intra-operative reference to the transverse acetabular ligament. Control of acetabular component inclination, particularly in the lateral decubitus position, is more difficult and remains a challenge for the Orthopaedic Surgeon. Lewinnek et al described a ‘safe zone’ of acetabular component orientation: Radiological acetabular inclination of 40 ± 10° and radiological anteversion of 15 ± 10°. Accurate implantation of the acetabular component within the ‘safe zone’ of radiological inclination is dependent on operative inclination, operative version and pelvic position. Traditionally during surgery, the acetabular component has been inserted with an operative inclination of 45°. This assumes that patient positioning is correct and does not take into account the impact of operative anteversion or patient malpositioning. However, precise patient positioning in order to orientate acetabular components using this method cannot always be relied upon. Hill et al demonstrated a mean 6.9° difference between photographically simulated radiological inclination and the post-operative radiological inclination. The most likely explanation was felt to be adduction of the uppermost hemipelvis in the lateral decubitus position. The study changed the practice of the senior author, with target operative inclination now 35° rather than 40° as before, aiming to achieve a post-operative radiological inclination of 42° ± 5°. Aim. To determine which of the following three techniques of acetabular component implantation most accurately obtains a desired operative inclination of 35 degrees:. Freehand. Modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide, or. Digital inclinometer assisted. Methods. 270 patients undergoing primary uncemented THA were randomised to one of the three methods of acetabular component implantation. Target operative inclination for all three techniques was 35°. Operative inclination was measured intra-operatively using both a digital inclinometer and stereophotogrammetric system. For both the freehand and Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation techniques, the surgeon was blinded to intra-operative digital inclinometer readings. Results. The freehand implantation technique had an operative inclination range of 25.2 – 43.2° (Mean 32.9°, SD 2.90°). The modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation technique had an operative inclination range of 29.3 – 39.3° (Mean 33.7°, SD 1.89°). The digital inclinometer assisted technique had an operative inclination range of 27.5 – 37.5° (Mean 34.0°, SD 1.57°). Mean unsigned deviation from target 35° operative inclination was 2.92° (SD 2.03) for the freehand implantation technique, 1.83° (SD 1.41) for the modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation technique and 1.28° (SD 1.33) for the digital inclinometer assisted technique. Conclusions. When aiming for 35° of operative inclination, the digital inclinometer technique appears more accurate than either the freehand or Mechanical Alignment Guide techniques. In order to improve accuracy of acetabular component orientation during Total Hip Arthroplasty, the surgeon should consider using such a technique

Introduction. Patients with abnormal spinopelvic mobility are at increased risk for hip instability. Measuring the change in sacral slope (ΔSS) with standing and seated lateral radiographs is commonly used to determine spinopelvic mobility pre-operatively. Sacral slope should decrease at least 10 degrees to demonstrate adequate accommodation. Accommodation of <10 deg necessitates acetabular component position change or use of a dual mobility implant. There is potential for different ΔSS measurements in the same patient based on sitting posture. Methods. 78 patients who underwent THA were reviewed to quantify the variability in pre-operative spinopelvic mobility when two different seated positions (relaxed sitting v. pre-rise sitting) were used in the same patient. Results. 34 patients had standardized pre-rise sitting x-rays, while 44 patients had standardized relaxed sitting x-rays. Of the 44 patients with relaxed sitting x-rays, the mean ΔSS (ΔrSS) was 20.4 degrees. No patients exhibited an increase in sacral slope when sitting (ie; reverse accommodation). Of the 34 patients with pre-rise sitting x-rays, the mean pre-rise sit-stand change (ΔprSS) was only 1.85 degrees with 47% (16/34) showing reverse accommodation, actually increasing the seated sacral slope compared to standing sacral slope. 18 patients had both pre-rise and relaxed sitting x-rays. In patients with both seated x-rays, the mean relaxed sit-stand change in sacral slope (ΔrSS) was 18.1 ± 6.1 degrees and only 3.0 ± 10.5 degrees for pre-rise sit-stand (ΔprSS), with a mean ΔSS difference of the 15.1 degrees (p <0.0001). Conclusion. A 15 degrees error could be made in pre-operative planning depending on the seated posture of the patient. Since decisions on component position or use of dual-mobility are made on pre-operative lateral sit-stand radiographs, postural standardization is critical. The relaxed seated radiograph is the preferred posture at the time of the seated lateral radiograph. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Two critical steps in achieving optimal results and minimizing complications (dislocation, lengthening, and intraoperative fracture) are careful preoperative planning and more recently, the option of intraoperative imaging in order to optimise accurate and reproducible total hip replacement. The important issues to ascertain are relative limb length, offset and center of rotation. It is important to start the case knowing the patient's perception of their limb length. Patient perception is equally important, if not more important, than the radiographic assessment. On the acetabular side, the teardrop should be identified and the amount of reaming necessary to place the inferior margin of the acetabular component adjacent to the tear drop should be noted. Superiorly the amount of exposed metal that is expected to be seen during surgery should be measured in millimeters. Once the key issues of limb length, offset, center of rotation, and acetabular component position relative to the native acetabulum have been confirmed along with the expected sizing of the acetabular and femoral components, it is critical that the operative plan is reproduced at the time of surgery and this can best be consistently performed with the use of intraoperative imaging. Advances in digital imaging now make efficient, cost-effective assessment of hip replacement possible. Embedded software allows accurate confirmation of the preoperative plan intraoperatively when correction of potential errors is easily possible. Such technology is now mature after years of clinical use and studies have confirmed its success in avoiding outliers and achieving optimal results. A pilot study at Washington University demonstrated that intraoperative imaging was able to eliminate outliers for acetabular inclination and anteversion. In addition, the ability to achieve accurate reproduction of femoral offset and limb length within 5mm was three times better with intraoperative imaging (P < 0.001)

Aims: To establish whether the Ôidealñ concentric positioning of acetabular components within the acetabular cement mantle is achieved during routine cemented total hip arthroplasty. In vitro studies recommend concentric placement of the acetabular component. There are however no in vitro studies on acetabular component positioning. Methods: Radiographs of 100 primary cemented total hip replacements were studied. Acetabular component positioning and cement mantles were assessed with respect to implant type, grade of surgeon and operated side. Results: 78% of the components were eccentrically placed, with increasing cement mantle thickness from zones 1 to 3. Concentricity occurred in only 13% of the Charnley Ogee, and 28% of the IP Lubinus components. The Charnley Ogee was more superiorly eccentric than the IP Lubinus (p< 0.001). The IP Lubinus was generally more open than the Charnley Ogee and Stanmore (p=0.053). Surgical grade affected neither cement mantle nor opening angle. Conclusions: This study indicates that the ideal component position in the acetabulum is very difþcult to achieve consistently in most patients, using the two commonly used cemented prostheses in this study. The practical difþculty of concentric component positioning while obtaining simultaneous pressurisation is illustrated

Postoperative dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a significant concern with a reported incidence of 1% to 10%. The risk of dislocation is multifactorial and includes both surgeon-related (i.e. implant position, component size, surgical approach) and patient-related factors (i.e. gender, age, preoperative diagnosis, neurologic disorders). While the majority of prior investigations have focused on the importance of acetabular component positioning, recent studies have shown that approximately 60% of “dislocators” following primary THA have an acceptably aligned acetabular component. Therefore, the importance of the relationship between the spine and pelvis, and its impact on functional component position has gained increased attention. Kanawade and Dorr et al. have shown patients can be categorised into having a stiff, normal, or hypermobile pelvis based on their change in pelvic tilt when moving from the standing to seated position. The degree of change in functional position of both the acetabular and femoral components is impacted by the degree of pelvic motion each patient possesses. In the “normal” pelvis, as a patient moves from the standing to seated position the pelvis typically tilts posteriorly, thus increasing the functional anteversion of the acetabular component. However, patients with lumbar degeneration or spine pathology often have a decrease in posterior pelvic tilt in the seated position, thus potentially increasing their risk of dislocation. Bedard et al. noted an 8.3% dislocation risk in patients with a spinopelvic fusion after THA vs. 2.9% in those without. There is the potential that preoperative, dynamic imaging can be used to predict the ideal component position for each individual patient undergoing THA. However, this assumes that a patient's preoperative pelvic motion will be the same following implantation of a total hip prosthesis, and that a patient's pelvic motion will remain consistent over time postoperatively. A recent study has shown that the impact of THA on pelvic motion can be highly variable, thus potentially limiting the utility of preoperative dynamic imaging in predicting a patient's ideal component position. Future investigations must focus on preoperative factors that can be used to predict postoperative pelvic motion and how pelvic motion changes over time following implantation of a total hip arthroplasty

Introduction:. More and more metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) implants have been used for active younger patients because of its higher success rate and better function outcomes for this group of patients compared to the traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA). One of the advantages of HRA is femoral neck preservation, which provides better bone structure in case a revision is necessary in the future. However, some believe that the outcomes after revision of hip resurfacing were not as good as the traditional THA. The purpose of this study was to provide our outcomes of the revisions, due to various causes, from over 3000 HRAs. Method:. Between May 2001 and April 2013, a single surgeon performed 3180 HRA. During that same period, 88 required revision (2.8%). Among them, the primary causes of the revision were acetabular component loosening in 22 cases; femoral component loosening in 21; femoral neck fracture in 19; adverse wear in eight; deep infection in four; and other causes for the rest. 68 of these revisions were performed by the same surgeon, while the remainder were revised elsewhere. 53 among these 68 cases had reached a minimum follow-up of two years and were included in this report. In 96%(51/53) of cases, the revision bearing was a large metal type including in 6/8 cases of adverse wear failure. There were eight cases of adverse wear with ion levels elevated above 10 μg/L, metalosis and inflammatory reaction seen at the time of revision. All of these cases had acetabular inclination angles larger than 50°. 7/8 of these cases were revised to another large metal bearing with improved acetabular component position. We analyzed the clinical scores, complications and radiographic results and compared them between these groups. Results:. The mean follow-up after the HRA revision was 5.4 ± 2.5 years (2–11 years). No patients died. No patient was lost from follow-up. The average age at the time of revision was 52 ± 11 years. The average operation time was 114 ± 42 minutes and the average hospital stay was 2 ± 1 days. All eight cases revised for adverse wear failures had extensive grey metalosis seen in surgery. There was no significant metalosis seen in the remainder. There were no failures requiring repeat revision. The average Harris hip score was 95 ± 11 at the latest follow-up. The mean UCLA score was 6 ± 2. The five year survivorship was 100%. Four complications were identified. There were two cases of recurrent dislocation that were treated with closed reduction. There was one superficial wound breakdown at 4 months without deep infection that resolved after debridement. There was one low energy pelvic fracture that was treated nonoperatively. There were no sciatic nerve palsies, thromboembolic events or significant medical complications. Conclusions:. Our results demonstrated that revision after hip resurfacing has a high success rate. Also, the revisions for adverse wear failure are most likely not due to the metal on metal bearing surfaces. In 7/8 cases, revisions were performed using another large metal bearing with improved acetabular component positioning, resulting in complete resolution of the problem

HipNav, a validated CT-based computer simulation software program, was used to calculate prosthetic and native hip ROM using collision detection. High resolution CT scans and CAD models of THA implants were used to create the simulations. Point cloud graphs were developed to graphically represent three-dimensional hip ROM graphs for all combinations of potential motion within maximal ROM parameters based on ligamentous restraints. A total of 27 normal hips were selected from a group of computer assisted total hip patients having surgery on the opposite side. The hips were then segmented and hip motion simulated inside the accepted limits of 50 degrees abduction, 30 degrees of adduction, 45 degrees internal and external rotation, 120 degrees of flexion and 40 degrees of extension. Point cloud graphs of the normal hips provided the baseline for minimal acceptable available motion. Recent literature indicates that acetabular cup placement is quite variable using traditional methods. One thousand five hundred different acetabular component positions (abduction from 30–60 degrees and 0–50 degrees of anteversion) were analyzed based on this data and their corresponding point cloud graphs were overlaid and compared to the native hip point cloud graph. The femoral component was set at 15 degrees of anteversion. When simulating a THA with a 28mm femoral head and non-augmented liner, regardless of acetabular component positioning, native hip ROM could not be duplicated. Further, many positions inside two standard deviations of reported cup placement accuracy had substantial impingement. This technique provides a graphical tool that will help evaluate THA range of motion and clearly demonstrates how implantation accuracy affects hip ROM and impingement

Aims. We analyzed the acetabular morphology of Crowe type IV hips using CT data to identify a landmark for the ideal placement of the centre of the acetabular component, as assessed by morphometric geometrical analysis, and its reliability. Patients and Methods. A total of 52 Crowe IV hips (42 patients; seven male, 35 female; mean age 68.5 years (32 to 82)) and 50 normal hips (50 patients; eight male, 42 female; mean age 60.7 years (34 to 86)) undergoing total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively identified. In this CT-based simulation study, the acetabular component was positioned at the true acetabulum with a radiological inclination of 40° and anteversion of 20°. Acetabular shape and the position of the centre of the acetabular component were analyzed by morphometric geometrical analysis using the generalized Procrustes analysis. Results. The acetabular shapes of Crowe IV hips were distinctively triangular; the ideal position of the centre of the acetabular component was superior on the posterior bony wall. The first and second relative warps explained 34.2% and 18.4% of the variance, respectively, compared with that of 28.6% and 18.0% in normal hips. We defined the landmark as one-third the distance from top on the posterior bony wall in Crowe IV hips. The average distance from the centre of the acetabular component was 5.6 mm. Conclusion. Crowe IV hips are distinctively triangular; the point one-third from the top on the posterior bony wall was a useful landmark for placing the acetabular component

There are numerous factors that influence total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability including surgical approach, soft-tissue tensioning, impingement, abductor status, and component positioning. A long-held tenet regarding acetabular component positioning is that cup inclination and anteversion of 40 degrees ± 10 degrees and 15 degrees ± 10 degrees, respectively, represents a “safe zone” as to minimise dislocation after primary THA. However, several studies have recently challenged that notion for individual patients. A study completed by Abdel et al identified a cohort of 9784 primary THAs performed at a single institution with 206 THAs (2%) that subsequently dislocated. The authors determined that 58% of the dislocated THAs had their acetabular component within the safe zone for both acetabular inclination and anteversion. When looked at separately, 84% had their inclination within the safe zone (mean value of 44 degrees ± 8 degrees), and 69% had their anteversion within the safe zone (mean value of 15 degrees ± 9 degrees). As such, surgeons should take into account that cup positioning alone does not determine the risk of instability following THA, as there are a multitude of other factors that can contribute to dislocation. Hip stability is multifactorial and likely patient-specific, and must take into account bony and muscular anatomy, static and dynamic soft tissue balance and intra-operative tensioning, and the functional demand and rehabilitative efforts of the patient

Introduction. Acetabular component positioning, offset, combined anteversion, leg length, and soft tissue envelope around the hip plays an important role in hip function and durability. In this paper we will focus on acetabular positioning of the cup. Technique. The axis of the pelvis is identified intra-operatively as a line drawn from the highest point of the iliac crest to the middle of the greater trochanter. Prior to reaming the acetabulum, an undersized trial acetabular component is placed parallel and inside the transverse ligament, inside the anterior column and projecting posterior to the axis of the pelvis. This direction is marked and the subsequent reaming and final component placement is performed in the same direction. The lateral opening is judged based on the 45-degree angle from the tear drop to the lateral margin of the acetabulum on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. The final anteversion of the cup is adjusted based on increased or decreased lumbar lordosis and combined anteversion. Methods. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 100 consecutive patients undergoing posterior THR between September 2010 and March 2011 with this method were evaluated for cup inclination angle and anteversion using EBRA software. Results. There were no malalignments or dislocations. The mean cup inclination angle and anteversion were 41 ± 5.1 degrees (range 37.1 – 48.4) and 22.1 ± 4.8 degrees (range 16.6 – 29.3), respectively. Conclusion. This is a reproducible method of cup positioning and with proper femoral component position and restoring leg length, offset, combined anteversion, and balance soft tissue around the hip. These factors affect the incidence of dislocation, infection, reduced wear, and durability

Two critical steps in achieving optimal results and minimizing complications (dislocation, lengthening, and intra-operative fracture) are careful pre-operative planning and more recently, the option of intra-operative imaging in order to optimise accurate and reproducible total hip replacement. The important issues to ascertain are relative limb length, offset and center of rotation. It is important to start the case knowing the patient's perception of their limb length. Patient perception is equally important, if not more important, than the radiographic assessment. On the acetabular side, the teardrop should be identified and the amount of reaming necessary to place the inferior margin of the acetabular component adjacent to the tear drop should be noted. Superiorly the amount of exposed metal that is expected to be seen during surgery should be measured in millimeters. Once the key issues of limb length, offset, center of rotation, and acetabular component position relative to the native acetabulum have been confirmed along with the expected sizing of the acetabular and femoral components, it is critical that the operative plan is reproduced at the time of surgery and this can best be consistently performed with the use of intra-operative imaging. Advances in digital imaging now make efficient, cost-effective assessment of hip replacement possible. Embedded software allows accurate confirmation of the pre-operative plan intra-operatively when correction of potential errors is easily possible. Such technology is now mature after years of clinical use and studies have confirmed its success in avoiding outliers and achieving optimal results. A pilot study at Washington University demonstrated that intra-operative imaging was able to eliminate outliers for acetabular inclination and anteversion. In addition, the ability to achieve accurate reproduction of femoral offset and limb length within 5mm was three times better with intra-operative imaging (P <0.001)

Introduction. Malposition of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is linked to multiple adverse outcomes. Changes in the sagittal plane position of the pelvis, owing both to patient positioning in the operating room and to altered spinopelvic alignment following surgery, potentially contribute to variation in component position. The dynamics of sagittal plane pelvic position before, during, and after THA have not been defined. We measured the differences in pelvic ratio, a measure of sagittal plane pelvic position, between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of patients undergoing THA in the lateral decubitus position. Methods. We retrospectively compared the radiographic pelvic ratio among 90 patients undergoing THA. AP radiographs were obtained in the standing position preoperatively and at 6 weeks after surgery; in the lateral decubitus position after trial reduction intraoperatively; and in the supine position in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Pelvic ratio was defined as the ratio between the vertical distance from the inferior sacroiliac (SI) joints to the superior pubic symphysis and the horizontal distance between the inferior SI joints. Radlink software was used to determine the pelvic ratio on each radiograph. Changes in apparent cup position based on changes in pelvic ratio were calculated using data from the literature, and a change of at least 10 degrees in acetabular component position was defined as clinically meaningful. Analyses were performed using paired t-tests, with p<0.05 defined as significant. Results. 54% of patients had a change in pelvic ratio large enough to alter the apparent acetabular component anteversion by 10 degrees (49% increased and 6% decreased), and 12% had a change large enough to alter the apparent acetabular component inclination by 10 degrees (12% increased and 0% decreased) when the intraoperative AP radiograph was compared to the preoperative AP radiograph. 36% of patients had a change in pelvic ratio from the preoperative radiograph to the 6 week preoperative radiograph large enough to alter the apparent acetabular component anteversion by 10 degrees (5% increased and 31% decreased), and 8% had a change large enough to alter the apparent acetabular component inclination by 10 degrees (6% increased and 1% decreased). Discussion. Changes in the sagittal plane pelvic position between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative radiographs occur in a substantial number of patients. These changes correspond to altered functional position of the acetabular component in over half of patients on the intraoperative radiograph and over one third of patients on postoperative radiographs. This variability suggests that intraoperative imaging may be useful for avoiding outliers of component position, and calls into question the feasibility of achieving targeted component positions based on preoperative imaging alone

Two critical steps in achieving optimal results and minimizing complications (dislocation, lengthening, and intra-operative fracture) are careful pre-operative planning and more recently, the option of intra-operative imaging in order to optimise accurate and reproducible total hip replacement. The important issues to ascertain are relative limb length, offset and center of rotation. It is important to start the case knowing the patient's perception of their limb length. Patient perception is equally important, if not more important, than the radiographic assessment. On the acetabular side, the teardrop should be identified and the amount of reaming necessary to place the inferior margin of the acetabular component adjacent to the tear drop should be noted. Superiorly the amount of exposed metal that is expected to be seen during surgery should be measured in millimeters. Once the key issues of limb length, offset, center of rotation, and acetabular component position relative to the native acetabulum have been confirmed along with the expected sizing of the acetabular and femoral components, it is critical that the operative plan is reproduced at the time of surgery and this can best be consistently performed with the use of intra-operative imaging. Advances in digital imaging now make efficient, cost-effective assessment of hip replacement possible. Embedded software allows accurate confirmation of the pre-operative plan intra-operatively when correction of potential errors is easily possible. Such technology is now mature after years of clinical use and studies have confirmed its success in avoiding outliers and achieving optimal results

Material and Methods. In a prospective randomized study of two groups of 65 patients each, we compared the acetabular component position when usingthe imageless navigation system compared to the freehand conventional technique for cementless total hip arthroplasty. The position of the component was determined postoperatively on computed tomographic scans of the pelvis. Results. There was no significant difference for postoperative mean inclination (p=0.29), but a significant difference for mean postoperativ acetabular component anteversion (p=0.007), for mean deviation of the postoperative anteversion from the target position of 15°(p=0.02) and for the outliers regarding inclination (p=0.02) and anteversion (p<0.05) between the computer-assisted and the freehand-placement group. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate the importance of imageless navigation for the accurate positioning of the acetabular component

Introduction: Acetabular component positioning, offset, combined anteversion, leg length, and soft tissue envelope around the hip plays an important role in hip function and durability. In this paper we will focus on acetabular positioning of the cup. Technique: The axis of the pelvis is identified intra-operatively as a line drawn from the highest point of the iliac crest to the middle of the greater trochanter. Prior to reaming the acetabulum, an undersized trial acetabular component is placed parallel and inside the transverse ligament, inside the anterior column and projecting posterior to the axis of the pelvis. This direction is marked and the subsequent reaming and final component placement is performed in the same direction. The lateral opening is judged based on 45-degree angle from the tear drop to the lateral margin of the acetabulum on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. The final anteversion of the cup is adjusted based on increase or decrease of lumbar lordosis and combined anteversion. Methods: Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 100 consecutive patients undergoing posterior THR between September 2010 and March 2011 with this method were evaluated for cup inclination angle and anteversion using EBRA software. Results: There were no malalignment or dislocation. The mean cup inclination angle and anteversion were 41 ± 5.1 degrees (range 37.1 – 48.4) and 22.1 ± 4.8 degrees (range 16.6 – 29.3), respectively. Conclusion: This is a reproducible method of cup positioning and with proper femoral component position, restores leg length, offset, combined anteversion, and balances soft tissue around the hip. These factors affect the incidence of dislocation, infection, reduced wear, and durability

Two critical steps in achieving optimal results and minimizing complications (dislocation, lengthening, and intraoperative fracture) are careful preoperative planning and more recently, the option of intraoperative imaging in order to optimise accurate and reproducible total hip replacement. The important issues to ascertain are relative limb length, offset and center of rotation. It is important to start the case knowing the patient's perception of their limb length. Patient perception is equally important, if not more important, than the radiographic assessment. On the acetabular side, the teardrop should be identified and the amount of reaming necessary to place the inferior margin of the acetabular component adjacent to the tear drop should be noted. Superiorly the amount of exposed metal that is expected to be seen during surgery should be measured in millimeters. Once the key issues of limb length, offset, center of rotation, and acetabular component position relative to the native acetabulum have been confirmed along with the expected sizing of the acetabular and femoral components, it is critical that the operative plan is reproduced at the time of surgery and this can best be consistently performed with the use of intraoperative imaging. Advances in digital imaging now make efficient, cost-effective assessment of hip replacement possible. Embedded software allows accurate confirmation of the preoperative plan intraoperatively when correction of potential errors is easily possible. Such technology is now mature after years of clinical use and studies have confirmed its success in avoiding outliers and achieving optimal results

Background. The optimal surgical treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head has yet to be elucidated. To evaluate the role of femoral fixation techniques in hip resurfacing, we present a comparison of the results for two consecutive groups: Group 1 (75 hips) received hybrid hip resurfacing implants with a cemented femoral component; Group 2 (103 hips) received uncemented femoral components. Both groups received uncemented acetabular components. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed our clinical database to compare failures, reoperations, complications, clinical results, metal ion test results, and x-ray measurements. Using consecutive groups caused time interval bias, so we required all Group 2 patients be at least two years out from surgery; we compared results from two years and final follow-up. Results. Patient groups matched similarly in age, BMI, and percent female. Despite similar demographics, the uncemented, Group 2 cases showed a lower raw failure rate (0% vs. 16% p<0.0001), a lower 2-year failure rate (0% vs. 7%, p=0.04), and a superior 8-year implant survivorship (100% vs. 91%, log-rank p=0.0028, Wilcoxon p=0.0026). In cases that did not fail, patient clinical (p=0.05), activity (p=0.02), and pain scores (p=0.03), as well as acetabular component position (p<0.0001), all improved in Group 2, suggesting advancements in surgical management. There were no cases of adverse wear related failure in either group. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a superior outcome for cases of osteonecrosis with uncemented hip resurfacings compared to cases employing hybrid devices

Background. Spinal deformity has a known deleterious effect upon the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty and acetabular component positioning. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between severity of spinal deformity parameters and acetabular cup position, rate of dislocation, and rate of revision among patients with total hip arthroplasties and concomitant spinal deformity. Methods. A prospectively collected database of patients with spinal deformity was reviewed and patients with total hip arthroplasty were identified. The full body standing stereoradiographic images (EOS) were reviewed for each patient. From these images, spinal deformity parameters and acetabular cup anteversion and inclination were measured. A chart review was performed on all patients to determine dislocation and revision arthroplasty events. Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlation of deformity with acetabular cup position. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with spinal fusion, dislocation events, and revision THA. Results. One-hundred and seven spinal deformity patients were identified, with 139 hips for analysis. The rate of THA dislocation in this cohort was 8.0%, with a revision rate of 5.8% for instability. Patients who sustained dislocations had significantly higher spinopelvic tilt, T1-pelvic angle, and mismatch of lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence. Among all patients, only 68.8% met the radiographic “safe zone” for anteversion in the standing position (Figure 1). A comparison of radiographic cup position on supine x-ray with standing EOS imaging demonstrated an increase in anteversion of 6.2 degrees. Standing decreased rate of safe zone anteversion of the cup by 20%. Conclusions. In this cohort, patients with THA and concomitant spinal deformity have a particularly high rate of dislocation. This dislocation risk may be driven by the degree of spinal deformity and by spinopelvic compensation, which is suggested by our findings. Arthroplasty surgeons should be aware of the elevated dislocation rate and consider a surgical strategy for maintaining hip stability in this population

Background. Positioning of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty has profound effects on the biomechanics, stability and wear of the prosthesis. Normal anatomical position in females is 57 degrees (50 – 67 degrees) inclination with 19 degrees (9 – 32 degrees) of anteversion, whilst in males 56 degrees of inclination (48 – 66 degrees) with 19 degrees (9 – 32 degrees) is normal. In total hip arthroplasty, inclination recommendation ranges from 30 – 50 degrees. The aim of this study was to radiographically measure acetabular component position in total hip arthroplasty and compare to normal values. Method. The Widmer method was used by two independent observers to radiographically measure inclination in 522 patients using standard AP radiographs. Primary measures and variables were statistically analysed as was inter and intra observer reliability. All patients included within the study received total hip arthroplasty for age related degenerative changes to the hip. Operations were undertaken by 17 separate consultants or senior registrars under their care. Results. Overall mean inclination was measured at 45.27 degrees with a range of 26 – 68 degrees. Statistically significant differences were observed between cemented 45.9o and non-cemented hips 43.9 degrees (p= 0.018), Simple 45.5 degrees vs complex 42.1 degrees (p=0.003) and Male 44.3 degrees vs Female 46.2 degrees (p=0.0198). No statistical difference was seen between consultant and registrar (p=0.211) and right vs left (p=0.768). Inter observer reliability was seen to be 0.91 whilst intra observer reliability 0.96. Conclusion. Although a large range of outcomes were observed, 95% of radiographs reviewed fell within a range of 33.6 – 56.9 degrees Variables such as surgical positioning, patient anatomy/body habitus, surgical technique, instrumentation likely influenced abnormal results. Abnormal positioning may have effects such as eccentric wear and dislocation, however, and such findings are yet to be observed in the study group

Early failure associated with adverse reactions to metal debris is an emerging problem after hip resurfacing but the exact mechanism is unclear. We analysed our entire series of 660 metal-on-metal resurfacings (Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR)) and large-bearing ASR total hip replacements, to establish associations with metal debris-related failures. Clinical and radiological outcomes, metal ion levels, explant studies and lymphocyte transformation tests were performed. A total of 17 patients (3.4%) were identified (all ASR bearings) with adverse reactions to metal debris, for which revision was required. This group had significantly smaller components, significantly higher acetabular component anteversion, and significantly higher whole concentrations of blood and joint chromium and cobalt ions than asymptomatic patients did (all p < 0.001). Post-revision lymphocyte transformation tests on this group showed no reactivity to chromium or cobalt ions. Explants from these revisions had greater surface wear than retrievals for uncomplicated fractures. The absence of adverse reactions to metal debris in patients with well-positioned implants usually implies high component wear. Surgeons must consider implant design, expected component size and acetabular component positioning in order to reduce early failures when performing large-bearing metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and replacement

Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) was introduced to decrease peri-prosthetic osteolysis related to polyethylene wear, a major reason for revision of total hip arthroplasty. There are few reports of wear and osteolysis at 10 years post-operatively. We asked the following questions: (1) What are the linear and volumetric wear rates of one remelted XLPE at 10–14 years using the Martell method? (2) What is the relationship between volumetric wear, femoral head size, and osteolysis? (3) What is the incidence of osteolysis using conventional radiographs with Judet views and the Martell method?. Methods We evaluated a previously reported cohort of 84 hips (72 patients) with one design of an uncemented acetabular component and one electron-beam irradiated, remelted XLPE at a mean follow-up of 11 years (range 10 to 14 years). Measurements of linear and volumetric wear were performed in one experienced laboratory by the Martell method and standard radiographs, with additional Judet views, were used to detect peri-prosthetic osteolysis. Statistical analysis of wear and osteolysis compared to head size was performed. Results The mean linear wear rate by the first-to-last method was 0.024 mm/year (median, 0.010 mm/year) and the mean volumetric wear rate by this method was 12.2 mm. 3. /year (median, 3.6 mm. 3. /year). We found no association between femoral head size and linear wear rate. However, there was a significant relationship between femoral head size and volumetric wear rates, with 36/40 mm femoral heads having significantly higher volumetric wear (p=0.02). Small osteolytic lesions were noted in 12 hips (14%), but there was no association with head size, acetabular component position, or linear or volumetric wear rates. Conclusion This uncemented acetabular component and this particular remelted XLPE had low rates of linear and volumetric wear. Small osteolytic lesions were noted at 10 to 14 years, but were not related to femoral head size, linear or volumetric wear rates

Background. Component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is critical to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Recent literature has shown acetabular component positioning may be inaccurate using traditional techniques. Robotic-assisted THA is a recent platform introduced to decrease the risk of malpositioned components. However, to date, a paucity of data is available comparing the intra-operative component position generated by the navigation system to post-operative radiographs. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the component position measurements of a navigation system, used during robotic-assisted THA, to component position measurements obtained on post-operative radiographs. Methods. Intra-operative component position measurements for acetabular inclination, acetabular anteversion, leg length change, and offset change for 145 patients were recorded. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs of the same 145 patients were then measured for the same parameters. A comparison of component position provided by the navigation system and radiographic data was then performed. Sub-group analyses of posterior and direct anterior measurements were performed. Results. Correlation between the navigation system and post operative radiographs was within 10° for 95.9% of cases for inclination and 96.6% for anteversion. Correlation within 10 mm of radiographic-measured values occurred in 97.7% of cases for change in leg length and 94.0% for change in global offset. 100% of the cases ended up with radiographic leg length discrepancy of less than 10 mm. Conclusion. The intra-operative component position data obtained from the navigation system utilized during robotic-assisted THA demonstrated correlated well with component position data obtained from radiographs

Purpose. The aim of this study is to describe the influence of sitting and standing posture on sagittal pelvic inclination in preoperative total hip replacement patients to assist with correct acetabular component positioning. Methods. Lateral radiographs of the pelvis and lumbar spine in sitting and standing of preoperative hip arthroplasty patients with primary hip osteoarthritis were extracted. Pelvic tilt was measured using the vertical inclination of a line from the ASIS to pubic tubercle. Sacral inclination was measured as the angle between the anterior surface of the sacrum and a horizontal reference. Figure one is a representation of the pelvic tilt angle and sacrel inclination angle taken during standing. The Cobb angle of the lumbar spine was recorded represented for a sitting patient in figure 2. Hip flexion was recorded (figure 2). Results. 60 patients were identified. Mean age of the cohort was 63. Sacral inclination ranged from 1 to 55 degrees in standing with a mean of 25.7 degrees. In sitting, sacral inclination ranged from 0.3–84.5 degrees with a mean of 24.1 degrees. Pelvic tilt ranged from 30 degrees posteriorly to 21.5 degrees anteriorly in standing. Pelvic tilt in sitting and ranged from 48 posterior to 42 degrees anterior tiltLumbar lordosis ranged from 11.6 to 91.7 degrees in standing. Lumbar lordosis in sitting ranged from 29.5 degrees(kyphosis) to 42 degrees (lordosis). Total hip flexion was 107.4 degrees from standing to sitting. Conclusions. There is wide variability in pelvic orientation between individuals in both postures Orientating acetabular components for total hip arthroplasty should account for postural changes in native version

Aims

A significant reduction in wear at five and ten years was previously reported when comparing Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene with nitrogen-sterilized Sulene polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated whether the improvement observed at the earlier follow-up continued, resulting in decreased osteolysis and revision surgery rates over the second decade.

Aims

Custom triflange acetabular components (CTACs) play an important role in reconstructive orthopaedic surgery, particularly in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) and pelvic tumour resection procedures. Accurate CTAC positioning is essential to successful surgical outcomes. While prior studies have explored CTAC positioning in rTHA, research focusing on tumour cases and implant flange positioning precision remains limited. Additionally, the impact of intraoperative navigation on positioning accuracy warrants further investigation. This study assesses CTAC positioning accuracy in tumour resection and rTHA cases, focusing on the differences between preoperative planning and postoperative implant positions.

In the Registry Era, in the Information Age, and with a competitive and expanding marketplace, the focus has been on the prosthetic joint devices. However, a distinction should be made between mechanical failure of a device, failure of an arthroplasty, and the limitations of technology. The patient and the surgeon play central roles in the majority of revisions (failure of an arthroplasty). Analysis of a large United States database indicates that the most common causes of revision are instability/dislocation (22.5%), mechanical loosening (19.7%), and infection (14.8%). Acetabular component position has been linked to higher wear and instability. Increased odds of component mal-position were found with lower-volume surgeons and patients with a higher body mass index. Medical co-morbidities significantly increase the risk for revision within 12 months of surgery. Patient demographics and pre-operative status have been shown to be more important than implant factors in predicting the presence of thigh pain, dissatisfaction, and a low hip score. The most predictive factors were ethnicity, educational level, poverty level, income, and a low pre-operative WOMAC score or pre-operative SF-12 mental component score

Aims

Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age.

Aims

In metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties and resurfacings, mechanically induced corrosion can lead to elevated serum metal ions, a local inflammatory response, and formation of pseudotumours, ultimately requiring revision. The size and diametral clearance of anatomical (ADM) and modular (MDM) dual-mobility polyethylene bearings match those of Birmingham hip MoM components. If the acetabular component is satisfactorily positioned, well integrated into the bone, and has no surface damage, this presents the opportunity for revision with exchange of the metal head for ADM/MDM polyethylene bearings without removal of the acetabular component.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine if an increasing serum cobalt (Co) and/or chromium (Cr) concentration is correlated with a decreasing Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) in patients who received the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), and to evaluate the ten-year revision rate and show if sex, inclination angle, and Co level influenced the revision rate.

INTRODUCTION. The purpose of this study is to elucidate longitudinal kinematic changes of the hip joint during heels-down squatting after THA. METHODS. 66 patients with 76 primary cementless THAs using a CT-based navigation system were investigated using fluoroscopy. An acetabular component and an anatomical femoral component were used through the mini-posterior approach with repair of the short rotators. The femoral head size was 28mm (9 hips), 32mm (12 hips), 36mm (42 hips), and 40mm (12 hips). Longitudinal evaluation was performed at 3 months, 1 year, and 2≤ years postoperatively. Successive hip motion during heels-down squatting was recorded as serial digital radiographic images in a DICOM format using a flat panel detector. The coordinate system of the acetabular and femoral components based on the neutral standing position was defined. The images of the hip joint were matched to 3D-CAD models of the components using a2D/3D registration technique. In this system, the root mean square errors of rotation was less than 1.3°, and that of translation was less than 2.3 mm. We estimated changes in the relative angle of the femoral component to the acetabular component, which represented the hip ROM, and investigated the incidence of bony and/or prosthetic impingement during squatting (Fig.1). We also estimated changes in the pelvic posterior tilting angle (PA) using the acetabular component position change. In addition, when both components were positioned most closely during squatting, we estimated the minimum angle (MA) up to theoretical prosthetic impingement as the safety margin (Fig.2). RESULTS. No prosthetic or bony impingement and no dislocation occurred in any hips. The mean maximum hip flexion ROM was 92.4° (range, 76.6° – 107.9°) at 3 months, 103.4° (range, 81.5° – 115.2°) at 1 year, and 102.4° (range, 87.1° – 120.6°) at 2≤ years (3 months vs 1 year, p<0.05; 1 year vs 2≤ years, p>0.05, paired t-test). The mean PA was 26.7° (range, 0.9° – 49.8°) at 3 months, 21.7° (range, 3.4° – 43.8°) at 1 year, and 21.2° (range, −0.7° – 40.4°) at 2≤ years (3 months vs 1 year, p<0.05; 1 year vs 2≤ years, p>0.05). The mean flexion ROM and MA at 2≤ years were 98.4±20.8° and 14.3±7.3° in 28 mm heads, 102.3±10.7° and 15.6±4.8° in 32 mm heads, 102.8±14.5° and 20.3±9.6° in 36 mm heads, and 103.2±16.9° and 23.4±10.9° in 40 mm heads, respectively. There were no significant differences in the hip flexion ROM between 28, 32, 36, and 40 mm head cases, whereas MA significantly increased as the femoral head diameter was larger (p<0.05, unpaired t-test). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. Three-dimensional assessment of dynamic squatting motion after THA using the 2D/3D registration technique enabled us to elucidate longitudinal kinematic change of the hip joint. Longitudinal kinematic analysis indicated that hip flexion ROM and posterior tilt during squatting changed significantly by 1 year postoperatively, and there were no significant changes after 1 year while safety margin kept > 10°. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

What are the data on obesity and THA risk? Which complications are elevated? If you decide on surgery, how can you minimise complications? These are timely questions because the rates of obesity are rising in the US and in many other parts of the world. Does obesity increase risk of THA complications? Answer: yes: at least for some complications. Complications which are increased: infection, wound healing, nerve injury; possibly: dislocation, periprosthetic fractures. The data are mixed on whether aseptic loosening and/or bearing surface wear problems are increased in the obese. Higher BMI may be offset by lower activity levels, particularly in a congruent joint such as the hip. Outcomes of THA in obese: Lower function scores and activity scores compared to nonobese. But good pain relief and the preoperative to postoperative change in functional scores is similar to non-obese. Is there a critical BMI threshold above which complications become unacceptable? Several studies show BMI ≥40 associated with strong risk of complications. One study from Mayo Clinic on patients with BMI ≥50 showed a 39% surgical complication rate, a 12% medical complication rate, and a high mortality rate in the several years after THA. Individualise operative decisions based on risk/benefit analysis for each patient. If you decide to operate, how can you minimise risk? Lose weight before surgery by diet: often ineffective, but worth trying. Lose weight before THA with bariatric surgery: effective in producing weight loss, but beware of the “malnourished” obese patient. In surgery: care with patient positioning, sufficient incision length, greater exposure, avoid sciatic nerve injury, fractures, care with acetabular component positioning, extra drains in subcutaneous tissue and wound compression. Engage patient in discussion of risks/benefits before surgery: shared decision making

Aims. Accurate positioning of the acetabular component is essential for achieving the best outcome in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the acetabular shape and anatomy in severe hip dysplasia (Crowe type IV hips) is different from that of arthritic hips. Positioning the acetabular component in the acetabulum of Crowe IV hips may be surgically challenging, and the usual surgical landmarks may be absent or difficult to identify. We analyzed the acetabular morphology of Crowe type IV hips using CT data to identify a landmark for the ideal placement of the centre of the acetabular component as assessed by morphometric geometrical analysis and its reliability. Patients and Methods. A total of 52 Crowe IV and 50 normal hips undergoing total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively identified. In this CT-based simulation study, the acetabular component was positioned at the true acetabulum with a radiographic inclination of 40° and anteversion of 20° (Figure 1). Acetabular shape and the position of the centre of the acetabular component were analyzed by morphometric geometrical analysis using the generalized Procrustes analysis (Figure 2). To describe major trends in shape variations within the sample, we performed a principal component analysis of partial warp variables (Figure 3). Results. The plot of the landmarks showed that the centre of the acetabular component of normal hips was positioned around the centre of the acetabulum and superior and slightly posterior on the acetabular fossa (Figure 3). The acetabular shapes of Crowe IV hips were distinctively triangular; the ideal position of the centre of the acetabular component was superior on the posterior bony wall (Figure 3). The first and second relative warps explained 34.2% and 18.4% of the variance, respectively, compared with that of 28.6% and 18.0% in normal hips. We defined the landmark as one-third the distance from top on the posterior bony wall in Crowe IV hips. The average distance from the centre of the acetabular component was 5.6 mm. There were 24 hips (50%) for which the distance from 1/3 pbw was within 5 mm, and 43 hips (89.6%) for which the distance was within 10 mm. Conclusions. Morphometric geometrical analysis showed that the acetabulum shape of Crowe type IV hips was distinctively triangular; the centre of the acetabular component was not positioned at the centre of the acetabulum, but rather superior on the posterior bony wall. The point one-third from the top on the posterior bony wall was a useful landmark for surgeons to set the acetabular component in the precise position in Crowe IV hips. This avoids the risk of using a smaller acetabular component and destruction of the anterior wall. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Aims

Computer-assisted 3D preoperative planning software has the potential to improve postoperative stability in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Commonly, preoperative protocols simulate two functional positions (standing and relaxed sitting) but do not consider other common positions that may increase postoperative impingement and possible dislocation. This study investigates the feasibility of simulating commonly encountered positions, and positions with an increased risk of impingement, to lower postoperative impingement risk in a CT-based 3D model.

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.

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the primary stability of press-fit acetabular components can be improved by altering the impaction procedure.

We found the ABG cementless hip has excessive acetabular wear and premature failure due to osteolysis. In 60 patients implanted at mean age 56 years, 66 hips (mean follow up 48 months), 7 were revised and 7 have severe acetabular osteolysis. In some this is entirely asymptomatic. There was significant association with osteolysis, length of follow up and wear but no correlation between wear and acetabular component position, age, liner thickness, and use of ceramic or CoCr heads. We recommend regular lifelong radiological review of these hips and suspension of use of this prosthesis until a wider review is undertaken

Introduction. Although femoral neck fractures remain a concern in short term failures for hip resurfacing, acetabular component position and fixation are increasingly being recognized as causes of mid term failures for hip resurfacing. This study aimed to evaluate the migration pattern of a cobalt chrome, beaded acetabular component for a metal on metal hip resurfacing. Methods. 130 patients underwent metal on metal hip resurfacing: 66 hips in 60 patients had sufficient films to be included in this analysis. Forty-eight patients were male and 12 were female, with a mean age of 50 (range, 32–66). Ninety-five percent of the procedures were performed for osteoarthritis. In all cases acetabular migration was measured both vertically and horizontally, on serial radiographs using the computer-assisted Ein Bild Röntgen Analyse method. A minimum of three comparable radiographs is necessary for calculating the migration curves. We scored medial migration as negative horizontal movement. Results. At a mean follow up 25.3 months (24–36 months), each hip had an average of 5.1 radiographs for analysis. 12.5% of the cups showed more than 1 mm migration in the medial-lateral axis and 45.3% more than 1 mm in the vertical axis. 23% of the cups showed a combined migration of greater than 2 mm in the observation period. Two of these cases required revision for aseptic loosening at 34 months. Discussion and Conclusion. Previous studies have shown EBRA to have an excellent sensitivity and positive predictive value for mid to long term cup failure. This data raises concern about the initial stability if this acetabular component. Continued follow-up is needed to monitor the longer term survival of this implant

Sagittal pelvic tilt (PT) has been shown to effect the functional position of acetabular components in patients with total hip replacements (THR). This change in functional component position may have clinical implications including increased likelihood of wear or dislocation. Surgeons can use computer-assisted navigation intraoperatively to account for a patient's pelvic tilt and to adjust the position of the acetabular component. However, the accuracy of this technique has been questioned due to the concern that PT may change after THR. The purpose of this study was to measure the change in PT after THR, and to determine if preoperative clinical and radiographic parameters can predict PT changes after THR. 138 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral THR by one surgeon received standing bi-planar lumbar spine and lower extremity radiographs preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively. Patients with prior contralateral THR, conversion THR and instrumented lumbosacral fusions were excluded. PT and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured preoperatively for each patient, and PT was measured on the postoperative imaging. A negative value for PT indicated posterior pelvic tilt. Patient demographics were collected from the chart. Average age was 56.8±10.9 years, average BMI was 28.3±6.0 kg/m2, and 67 patients (48.6%) were female. Mean preoperative pelvic tilt was 0.6°±7.3° (range: −19.0° to 17.9°). We found greater than 10° of sagittal PT in 23 out of 138 (16.6%) patients in this sample. Mean post-operative pelvic tilt was 0.3°±7.4° (range: −18.4° to 15.0°). Mean change in pelvic tilt was −0.3°±3.6° (range: −9.6° to 13.5°). PT changed by less than 5° in 119 of 138 patients (86.2%). The mean difference in pre-operative and post-operative PT is not statistically significant (p = 0.395). Pre-operative PT was strongly correlated with post-operative PT (r2 = 0.88, p = 0.0001) (Figure 1). There was not a statistically significant relationship between PI and change in PT (r2 = −0.16, p = 0.06). In conclusion, based on the variability in pelvic tilt in this study population and the relatively small change in pelvic tilt following THA tilt-adjustment of the acetabular component position based on standing pre-operative imaging is likely to be of benefit in the majority of patients undergoing navigated THA. However, we have been unable to predict the relatively rare occurrence of a large change in pelvic tilt, which would confound tilt-adjusted component position

Aims

Registry studies on modified acetabular polyethylene (PE) liner designs are limited. We investigated the influence of standard and modified PE acetabular liner designs on the revision rate for mechanical complications in primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

Navigation devices are designed to improve a surgeon’s accuracy in positioning the acetabular and femoral components in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to both evaluate the accuracy of an optical computer-assisted surgery (CAS) navigation system and determine whether preoperative spinopelvic mobility (categorized as hypermobile, normal, or stiff) increased the risk of acetabular component placement error.

Aims

The use of a porous metal shell supported by two augments with the ‘footing’ technique is one solution to manage Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term implant survival and radiological and clinical outcomes of this technique.

Aims

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are performed by surgeons at various stages in training with varying levels of supervision, but we do not know if this is safe practice with comparable outcomes to consultant-performed THA. Our aim was to examine the association between surgeon grade, the senior supervision of trainees, and the risk of revision following THA.

Introduction and Aims: Hip resurfacing has undergone a resurgence of interest in the past five years, requiring surgeons to learn new principles and new operative techniques. For experienced surgeons, the learning curve is more transparent than in their earlier careers. Method: We have reviewed the first 100 hip resurfacings performed by two experienced surgeons. Results of the first 20 and second 20 were compared for a difference, then the first 30 and second 30 and finally the first 50 and second 50. We evaluated accuracy of pre-operative planning to final sizing, pre-operative neck shaft angle and post-operative prosthesis angle, revision rates, complication rates, equipment problems, placement of the acetabular component. Results: On comparing the first 50 procedures performed with the second 50 performed, there was a significant difference (p< 0.001) in positioning of the femoral prosthesis, notching of the femoral neck, seating of the femoral and acetabular component position and seating. When comparing the first 20 and second 20 procedures no significant difference was noted. Conclusion: We note there is a definite learning curve associated with the hip resurfacing procedure and it was longer than we estimated

Metal ion concentrations following metal on metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty remain a concern. Variables associated with increased metal ion concentrations need to be established. This study provides metal ion data from a consecutive cohort of the first 76 patients implanted with a fourth generation hip resurfacing prosthesis. All patients agreed to post-operative blood metal ion sampling at a minimum of one year. Post-operative radiographic measurements of cup inclination and anteversion were obtained using the EBRA software. Mean whole blood chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) concentrations in patients receiving the smallest femoral implants (Ł51mm) were greater than in the patients implanted with the largest prostheses (ł53mm) by a factor of 3 and 9 respectively. Ion concentrations in the small femoral group were significantly related to acetabular inclination (R=0.439, P< 0.001 for Cr, R=0.372, P=0.004 for Co) and anteversion (R=0.330, P=0.010 for Cr, R=0.338, P=0.008 for Co). This relationship was not significant in the large implant group. Mean Cr and Co concentrations in patients with accurately orientated cups (inclination < 45°, anteversion < 20°) were 3.7μg/l and 1.8 μg/l respectively, compared to 9.1μg/l and 17.5μg/l in malaligned cups. A reduced surface contact area caused by cup malalignment may increase contact stresses, resulting in a high wear rate if fluid film lubrication is inadequate. Improved fluid film lubrication has previously been found in larger heads in vitro. Accurate acetabular component positioning is essential in order to reduce metal ion concentrations following hip resurfacing

No, not my mother, but metal-on-metal (MoM) hips! My involvement in the DEFENSE side of MoM hips has allowed me the luxury of reflection and continued study on the basic and clinical science of this particular wear couple. Much of what I have learned is relevant to other articular couples, and might help you in your next THR. No amount of in vitro laboratory testing can replicate or predict in vivo behavior of a particular wear couple. (Mother Nature always has something new to teach us!) Although MoM implants went through complete pre-market evaluation and approval in both the US and EU, the process is inadequate and does not assure safety or success of new designs and materials. Two year results obtained in pre-market (IDE) studies are of insufficient follow-up for accurate evaluation of new materials or designs. Be conservative! Be neither the first, nor the last, to embrace new technology!. Clinical experience and retrieval analysis of MoM devices has revealed factors that are not as apparent for other wear couples such as metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), or ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC). For instance:. All THR's are at risk of micro-lateralization, or displacement of the femoral head from the acetabular wear couple during swing phase, resulting in edge loading. In addition, impingement or displacement related to component malposition or failure to balance the soft tissues about the hip can produce subluxation, producing edge loading and accelerated wear. In the case of MoM implants, the tribology and wear properties of MoM produce identifiable wear scars; all MoM designs appear to be subject to these phenomena. However, evidence now exists that both MoP and CoC wear couples are at similar risk for accelerated wear, although at different rates than MoM. Hard-on-hard wear couples (ceramic, metal) are less tolerant of edge loading than hard-on-soft (e.g., MoP or CoP) wear couples, and therefore require a higher degree of surgical precision in implant placement and reconstruction of the soft tissue balance of the hip. One of the previously unrecognised factors that can change relative implant position (and therefore, the risk of subluxation or edge loading) is the effect of the lumbar spine on apparent acetabular component position (e.g., changes between sitting, standing, or lying prone). This is largely due to the effect of lumbar spine flexibility, as shown in both orthogonal x-ray (“EOSr”) studies, and dynamic CAT scan studies. There is currently no validated algorithm or technique to assess these factors; however, surgeon awareness and at least clinical assessment preoperatively may result in better positioning of implants. Femoral component position can also have a major effect of the risk of impingement or subluxation of the femoral head; the combined anteversion concept of Dorr et al. should be rigorously adhered during THR. Other issues such as fretting corrosion associated with large diameter femoral heads and tissue response to wear debris may not be anticipated until a very large cohort population is available for examination and analysis. No matter how extensive in vitro testing may be, only clinical experience and retrieval analysis can provide the ultimate reassurance as to the success of a new design or material

Acetabular component positioning is highly correlated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes. Multiple reports however indicate that less than 50% of acetabular cups are placed within surgeon-desired ranges for abduction and anteversion angles when using conventional cup positioning techniques. Issues with improper placement include instability-dislocation, impingement and impact on range of motion, polyethylene wear, leg length discrepancy, and gait mechanics. Accuracy in placement of the acetabular component is complicated by the need to estimate cup impactor angles to create desired cup position. A low cost approach to THA using Image-based Ultrasonic Guidance (IUG) (Orthosensor, Sunrise, FL) coupled to existing surgical tools is presented. IUG utilises acoustic measurement techniques for achieving optimal component positioning and leg length. A precisely machined Hip Test Fixture (HTF) has been built to simulate the anatomical pelvis, acetabular cup, and femur to validate system accuracy. The IUG was affixed to the HTF to demonstrate placement of the cup during THA. The HTF was loaded onto a 27-inch Graphic User Interface (GUI) providing three-dimensional CAD data of the HTF. Registration points included the Iliac Crest and 10 points around the acetabular cup. These points were mapped to the CAD data by the GUI. The HTF was set to 45° of abduction and 0° of version to begin testing. Abduction and version were measured over a +15° range in 1-degree increments while leg length and offset were measured over a +5mm range in 2mm increments. A high-resolution coordinate measurement machine (FaroArm EDGE) verified the accuracy and margin of error for inclination, version, leg length and offset at each increment. The HTF provided a precise means for evaluating IUG system accuracy of simulated THA in a controlled environment. Acceptable margins of error were reported on the HTF: mean error for version was 0.36° (SD 0.02°; 0.25° to 0.38°); mean error for inclination was 1.04° (SD 0.52°; 0.48° to 1.66°); mean error for leg length and offset were respectively 0.36mm (SD 0.86mm; −0.65 to 1.55mm) and 0.41mm (SD 0.28; 0.05 to 0.80mm). IUG provides a means for achieving acceptable precision and accuracy in component placement during THA as evaluated with the HTF. Further study is however necessary to correlate accuracy of IUG with clinical utility and short-term clinical outcomes

Introduction:. Successful total joint arthroplasty requires accruate and reproducible acetabular component position. Acetabular component malposition has been associated with complications inlcuding dislocation, implant loosening, and increased wear. Recent literature had demonstrated that high-volume fellowship trained arthroplasty surgeons are in the “safe zone” for cup inclination and anteversion only 47% of the time. (1) Computer navigation has improved accuracy and reproducibility but remains expensive and cumbersome to many hospital and physicians. Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) has been shown to be effective and efficient in total knee replacements. The purpose of this study was to determine in a cadaveric model the anteversion and inclination accuracy of acetabular guides compared to a pre-operitive plan. Methods:. 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric pelvis specimens underwent Computer Tomography (CT) in order to create a 3D reconstruction of the acetabulum. Based on these 3D reconstruction, a pre-operative plan was made positioning the patient specific acetabulum guides at 40 degrees of inclination and 20 degrees of anteversion in the pelvis.(Figure 1) The guides were created based on the specific bony morphology of the acetabular notch and rim. The guides were created using a 3D printer which allowed for precise recreation of the virtual model. 7 cadaveric specimens underwent creation and implantation of a acetabular guide specific to each specimens bony morphology. Ligamentum, pulvinar, and labum were removed for each cadaver prior to implantation to prevent soft tissue obstruction. The guides were inserted into the acetabular notch with the final position based on the fit of the guide in the notch. (Figure 2) Post-implantation CT was then performed and inclination and anteversion of the implanted guide measured and compared to the preoperative plan. Results:. In 7 cadaveric specimens post-implantation CT scans were performed and anteversion and inclindation of each guide was calculated and compared to pre-operative plan of 20 degrees anteversion and 40 degrees of inclincation. On average, anteversion in the 7 cadavers measured 20.9 degrees with a standard deviation of 1.8 degrees. Inclincation measured 37.8 degrees with a standard deviation of 3.5 degrees. (Figure 3). Discussion and Conclusion:. This study demonstrates a proof of concept that patient specific acetabular guides based on pre-operative CT scans and implanted in the human pelvis accurately reproduce the preoperative plan. Guide position was 20.9 degrees of anteversion and 37.8 degrees of inclination with a SD of 1.8 and 3.5 degrees respectively. Soft tissue obstruction may result in increased error in some specimens. This study demonstrates that patient specific models can be made and implanted based on notch fit geometry. Further study is currently underway to using a instrument based on the angle of the cup face is order to guide final cup implanation

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been associated with increased rates of complications and revision. Hip instability and wear-induced osteolysis are among the more common and serious of these problems. The current investigation prospectively assessed the survivorship and clinical results of patients with DDH treated by alumina ceramic-ceramic THA. We investigated 161 consecutive hips in 145 patients with DDH classified as Crowe type I (131 hips, 81%), II (26 hips, 16%), III (2 hips, 1%), and IV (2 hips, 1%). All patients had an uncemented titanium acetabular component with a flush mounted alumina ceramic-ceramic bearing. The mean age at operation was 48.0 ± 12.2 years (range, 18 – 79 years). The preoperative Merle d'Aubigné score was 11.4 ± 1.7 (6 – 15). 27 hips (17%) had at least one previous surgical procedure. 92 hips (57%) were replaced with the use of surgical navigation for acetabular component positioning. The mean cup diameter was 49.9 ± 3.4 mm (46 – 60 mm). 88 (55%) bearings were 28mm and 73 (45%) bearings were 32mm. At a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 2.5 years (2 – 11.3 years), the mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 17.4 ± 0.9 (14 – 18). There were no cases of osteolysis or dislocation. There was one reoperation of an early displaced cup. In addition, there was one calcar crack that was cerclaged, one intraoperative trochanteric fracture also repaired at surgery. No patient complained of squeaking. 94 patients with 100 hips (61%) completed a questionnaire specifically asking for squeaking. None of these patients reported squeaking. The 10-year Kaplan Meier survivorship of the implants (revision of any component for any reason) was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 98.2-100%). Results of ceramic-ceramic THA in young patients with low to middle graded DDH after two to eleven years follow-up are promising with no radiographic signs of osteolysis or dislocation

There is a complex interaction among acetabular component position and the orientation of the femoral component in determining the maximum, impingement-free prosthetic range of motion (ROM) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Regarding restrictions in ROM, femoral antetorsion is one of the most important parameters. But, ROM is also influenced by parameters like the deviation between the femoral shaft and the mechanical axis in a sagittal projection. This deviation is best described as “Femoral Tilt” (FT). This study analysis the incidence of FT in clinical practice and its consequences on post-operative ROM. Based on these results, the effects of changes in FT on ROM-based cup optimisation are assessed by a using a virtual ROM analysis. For studying the incidence of FT, 40 (16 male, 24 female) postoperative computerised tomography (CT) scans were analysed using a 3D CT planning software. The implant models were superimposed onto the image data to determine their exact position. The anatomical orientations were determined by planning anatomical landmarks and coordinate directions (i.e. mechanical axis, posterior condyle axis). Descriptive statistics were calculated for FT. Effects of changes in FT and CCD on ROM were analysed by calculating zones of compliance. FT was varied between 2.1° and 9.3° for 135°. The overall range of post-operative values for femoral tilt was 5.7° ± 1.8° (mean ± standard deviation, minimum 1.7°, maximum 10.2°). The zone of compliance significantly depended on FT (difference more than 200%). The optimum cup position changed from 35° radiographic inclination/30° anteversion to 39°/30° when FT was increased from 2.1° to 9.3°. Within this study, it was demonstrated that FT has a significant effect on postoperative ROM in THAs. First of all, it was shown that clinically FT values lie in a range between 2.1° and 9.3° (95% CI), where we used a long-shaft stem type with a relatively low possibility to influence sagittal tilt angles. FT may significantly change zones of compliance up to 200% as well as optimised cup positions. Thus, standard combined anteversion formulas, which were proposed in the literature to implement femur first approaches for THA, do only particularly address an optimisation of post-operative ROM. Instead, a sophisticated virtual ROM analysis based on a navigated femur-first approach would enable accurate ROM estimations as parameters like FT are hard to be assessed intra-operatively

Dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-known and potentially devastating complication. Clinicians have used many strategies in attempts to prevent dislocation since the introduction of THA. While the importance of postoperative care cannot be ignored, particular emphasis has been placed on preoperative planning in the prevention of dislocation. The strategies have progressed from more traditional approaches, including modular implants, the size of the femoral head, and augmentation of the offset, to newer concepts, including patient-specific component positioning combined with computer navigation, robotics, and the use of dual-mobility implants. As clinicians continue to pursue improved outcomes and reduced complications, these concepts will lay the foundation for future innovation in THA and ultimately improved outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):8–11.

Aims

Patients with spinal pathology who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) have an increased risk of dislocation and revision. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of the Hip-Spine Classification system in these patients would result in a decreased rate of postoperative dislocation in patients with spinal pathology.

Introduction. Acetabular cup positioning has been linked to dislocation and increased bearing surface wear. A previous study found correlations between patient and surgical factors and acetabular component position. The purpose of this study was to determine if acetabular cup positioning improves when surgeons receive feedback on their performance. Methods. Post-op anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and cross-table lateral radiographs were previously obtained for 2061 patients who received a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip resurfacing from 2004–2008. The surgeries were performed by 7 surgeons. AP radiographs were measured using Hip Analysis Suite to calculate the cup inclination and version angles. Acceptable ranges were defined for abduction (30–45 °) and version (5–25 °). The same surgeons performed a THA or hip resurfacing on 385 patients from January 2009 through June 2010. Cup inclination and version angles for this set of surgeries were compared to surgeries from 2004–2008 to determine if cup inclination and version angles improved in response to previous acetabular cup positioning studies. Improvement in accuracy was assessed by the chi-square test. Results. Time 1, from 2004 through 2008, had 1952 qualifying hips with 1845 having both version and abduction, and Time 2, from 2009 through June 2010, had 385 qualifying hips, all of which had both version and abduction angles. For Time 1, 1192 (62%) acetabular cups were within the abduction range, 1422 (79%) were within the version range, and 908 (49%) were within the range for both. For Time 2, 276 (72%) acetabular cups were within the abduction range, 250 (65%) were within the version range, and 217 (56%) were within the ranges for both. Accuracy of abduction angle improved (p<0.01) while accuracy of version angle decreased (p<0.01). Accuracy of acetabular cup positioning being within range for both abduction angle and version angle improved significantly (p=0.01), by 7%. Conclusions. Increased awareness and feedback on the resulting abduction and version measurements from THA surgery over time improves the positioning of the acetabular component. A system where objective measurements are presented to the surgeon can significantly improve cup placement which could improve the clinical outcome of THR patients

Introduction: The anterior and anterolateral approach to the hip traditionally are well described exposures in primary hip arthroplasty with fewer dislocations than the posterior approach. A very debilitating complication associated with the anterolateral approach however is the persistent limp and positive Trendelenburg sign. We discuss our results with respect to abductor function and morphological integrity seen on MRI when using an approach in which we preserve the majority of gluteus medius. Methods: We carried out a prospective study of thirty-nine consecutive total hip replacements performed through a gluteus medius sparing anterolateral approach. The same hip surgeon performed all these between April and October 2004. Gait analysis and Trendelenburg tests were evaluated during clinical follow-up at six weeks and three months. Coronal STIR and T1 weighted MRI sequences of the abductors were performed between four and six weeks and the findings were agreed by the consensus of two radiologists. Results: At three-month follow-up all thirty-nine patients tested Trendelenburg negative. Post-operative radiographs showed satisfactory femoral and acetabular component position. MRI findings showed the gluteus medius tendon to be intact with no shortening on T1. Artefacts were found to be less marked in the higher field strength magnet but more apparent in the STIR weighted sequences. Discussion: We have tried to incorporate the advantages of reduced dislocation rate of the anterolateral approach, whilst avoiding violation of the abductors. The clinical result and radiographic findings we have presented suggest that the described exposure is an effective and safe method of approaching the hip, with minimal disruption of the abductor mechanism. In addition to maintaining the reduced dislocation rate associated with the standard anterolateral approach. Intact abductor function allows for rapid rehabilitation