Introduction. Understanding hip-spine relationships and accurate evaluation of the pelvis position are key- points for the optimization of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Hip surgeons know the importance of pelvic parameters and the adaptation mechanisms of pelvic and sub-pelvic areas. Literature about posture after THA remains controversial and adaptations are difficult to predict. One explanation can be the segmental analysis focused on pelvic parameters and local planning. In a significant number of patients a global analysis may be important as a cascade of compensatory mechanisms is implemented, the hip being only one of the links of this chain reaction. 3 parameters can be measured on full body images:. SVA (sagittal vertical axis) : horizontal distance between the vertical line through the center of C7 and the postero-superior edge of S1. T1 pelvic angle (TPA) : line from femoral heads to T1center and line from the femoral heads to S1center. TPA combines informations from both the sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt. Global Sagittal Angle (GSA) : line from the midpoint of distal femoral condyles to C7 center and line from the midpoint between distal femoral condyles to the postero-superior S1corner. The objective of this preliminary study is to report the post-operative evolution of posture after THA. Material and Method. 49 patients (28 women, 21 men, mean age 61 years) were enrolled for full-body standing EOS images before and after THA. The sterEOS software was used to measure pelvic parameters (sacral slope SS, pelvic incidence PI) and global postural parameters (TPA, GSA, SVA). Sub-analysis was made, grouping the sample by TPA (<14°, 14°–22°, >22°), by PI (<55°, 55°–65°, >65°) and by SS (<35°, 35°–45°, >45°). Paired t-test was used to compare differences between preoperative and postoperative parameters within each subgroup. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. TPA, SVA and GSA may change independently following THA surgery. In the 2 groups with TPA< 19° and 14° <TPA< 22°, GSA and SVA decreased significantly after THA (p < 0.05). The difference was not significant in the group with TPA>22°. In the group with SS between 35° and 45°, the GSA and SVA decreased after THA (p < 0.05). In the group with SS > 45° only GSA decreased. In the group with PI < 55°, GSA and SVA decreased after THA. There was no significant change in the remaining subgroups. Discussion. This preliminary study confirms a decrease of GSA and SVA after THA. Some preoperative characteristics are observed in patients with significant global sagittal postural modifications: low to standard TPA, low PI or standard to high SS. Conclusion. Planning and prediction of sagittal postural changes after THA implantation is challenging. It is an important topic in patients with stiff and degenerative spine or in case of spinal fusion. In case of complex hipspine cases, the timing of the procedures can be a real concern. The combined analysis of SVA, TPA and GSA may open new perspectives for a more rationale planning of THA

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