A high radiographic inclination angle (RI) contributes to accelerated wear and has been associated with dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). With freehand positioning of the acetabular component there is a lack of accuracy, with a trend towards a high radiographic inclination angle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a digital protractor to measure the operative inclination angle (OI) could improve the positioning of the acetabular component in relation to a ‘safe zone’. . We measured the radiographic inclination angles of 200 consecutive uncemented primary THAs. In the first 100 the component was introduced freehand and in the second 100 a digital protractor was used to measure the operative inclination angle. . The mean difference between the operative and the radiographic inclination angles (∆RI–OI) in the second cohort was 12.3° (3.8° to 19.8°). There was a strong correlation between the circumference of the hip and ∆RI–OI. The number of RI outliers was significantly reduced in the protractor group (p = 0.002). Adjusting the OI, using a digital protractor and taking into account the circumference of the patient’s hip, improves the RI significantly (p < 0.001) and does not require additional operating time. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:603–610

The angle of inclination of the acetabular component in total hip replacement is a recognised contributing factor in dislocation and early wear. During non-navigated surgery, insertion of the acetabular component has traditionally been performed at an angle of 45° relative to the sagittal plane as judged by the surgeon’s eye, the operative inclination. Typically, the method used to assess inclination is the measurement made on the postoperative anteroposterior radiograph, the radiological inclination. The aim of this study was to measure the intra-operative angle of inclination of the acetabular component on 60 consecutive patients in the lateral decubitus position when using a posterior approach during total hip replacement. This was achieved by taking intra-operative photographs of the acetabular inserter, representing the acetabular axis, and a horizontal reference. The results were compared with the post-operative radiological inclination. The mean post-operative radiological inclination was 13° greater than the photographed operative inclination, which was unexpectedly high. It appears that in the lateral decubitus position with a posterior approach, the uppermost hemipelvis adducts, thus reducing the apparent operative inclination. Surgeons using the posterior approach in lateral decubitus need to aim for a lower operative inclination than when operating with the patient supine in order to achieve an acceptable radiological inclination

Introduction. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), a high radiographic inclination angle (RI) of the acetabular component has been linked to an increased dislocation rate, liner fracture, and increased wear. In contrast to version, we have more proven boundaries when it comes to a safe zone for angles of RI. Although intuitively it seems easier to achieve a target RI, most studies demonstrate a lack of accuracy and the trend towards a high RI with all surgical approaches when using a freehand technique or a mechanical guide. This is due to pelvic motion during surgery, which can be highly variable. The current study had two primary aims, each with a different primary outcome. The first aim was to determine how accurate a surgeon could obtain the target operative inclination (OI) during THA when using a cementless cup using a digital protractor. The second aim was to determine how accurate a surgeon can estimate the target OI to obtain a RI of 40° based on the patient's hip circumference as demonstrated in a previous study. Methods. In this prospective study, we included 200 consecutive patients undergoing uncemented primary THA in the lateral decubitus position using a posterior approach. Preoperatively, the surgeon determined the target OI based on the patient's hip circumference (22.5°, 25°, 27.5° or 30°). Intraoperatively, the effective OI was measured with the aid of a digital inclinometer after seating of the acetabular component. Six weeks postoperatively anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were made and two evaluators, blinded to the effective OI, measured the RI of the acetabular component. The safe zone for inclination was defined as 30°-45° of inclination. Results. The mean difference between the target OI and the effective OI of the acetabular component was −0.7° SD 1.4 (95% CI −0.9° to −0.5°). The difference between the target and effective OI was less than 1° in 108 patients (54%), less than 2° in 160 patients (80%) and less than 3° in 186 patients (93%). In 14 patients (7%) the difference was 3°-5°. The mean RI was 37.9° SD 4.7 (95% CI 37.2° to 38.5°). The mean difference between the RI and effective OI was 11.5° SD 4.7 (95% CI 10.8° to 12.1°). Overall, 188 cups (94%) were within the inclination safe zone. When analysing the RI outliers, 1 could have be avoided if a better target OI was chosen and 2 could have been avoided if the difference between the target and effective OI would have been smaller. For the remaining 9 outliers (75%) the difference between the RI and effective OI was in the upper and lower 7. th. percentile, indicating more or less than average motion of the pelvis in these patients. Discussion and Conclusions. When using a digital protractor, the mean difference between the target OI and the effective OI of the acetabular component was less than 3° in 93% and less than 5° in all patients. The use of a digital protractor allows surgeons to accurately implant the acetabular component in the desired OI in a cheap and easy way. By adjusting the target OI based on the patient's hip circumference, 94% of the acetabular components were placed within an inclination safe zone of 30°-45°. Most outliers were caused by more of less than average intraoperative pelvic motion

Introduction. A high inclination angle has been linked to an increased dislocation rate, liner fracture, and increased wear. The aim of this study was to compare the operative (OI) with the radiological inclination (RI) angle and determine the influence of patient morphology on pelvic tilt and cup inclination angle. Methods. In the first cohort of 100 patients undergoing uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty, the cup was inserted freehand. In the second cohort of 100 patients, the OI was measured with the aid of a digital inclinometer. RI and pelvic tilt in lateral decubitus were measured. Results. The mean RI in the freehand group was similar to the protractor group (38.5 SD 7.0 and 38.3 SD 4.7; p=0.83) with a significantly greater variance in the freehand group (range 22°-60° versus 27°-51°; p=0.0001) and more outliers for the inclination safe zone (24 versus 10; p=0.01). The mean difference between the RI and OI (ΔRI-OI) in the protractor group was 12.3° SD 4.2 (range 3.8°-19.8°). The mean pelvic tilt was 4.0° (SD 3.5) of adduction. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that RI was positively correlated with OI (r. 2. =0.44, p<0.0001). Hip circumference was negatively correlated with pelvic tilt (r. 2. =0.20, p=0.002) and ΔRI-OI (r. 2. =0.37, p=0.0001). There was a significant reduction in the number of inclination outliers over time in the second cohort (6 versus 2 versus 1 versus 1; p=0.04). Discussion. The mean ΔRI-OI was 12.3°. In patients with a larger hip circumference there was less pelvic tilt in the frontal plane and less ΔRI-OI. Surgeons using the posterior approach in lateral decubitus should aim for a lower OI in order to achieve an acceptable RI, especially in patients with a smaller hip circumference. Conclusion. In our hands, taking into account patient morphology and using a digital protractor intraoperatively has significantly reduced the number of inclination outliers

The orientation of the acetabular component is influenced by the orientation at which the surgeon implants the component and the orientation of the pelvis at the time of implantation. When operating with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, pelvic orientation can be highly variable. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of two different pelvic supports on cup orientation. In this prospective study, 200 consecutive patients undergoing uncemented primary THA in the lateral decubitus position were included. In the control group a single support over the pubic symphysis (PS) was used. In the study group, a single support over the ipsilateral anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) was used. In every patient, the cup was inserted and the angle of the cup introducer relative to the floor (apparent operative inclination; OIa) was measured with the aid of a digital inclinometer. The radiographic inclination (RI) was measured on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs at 6 weeks postoperatively. The target zone for cup inclination was 35–45°. In both cohorts the cups were implanted close to the target OIa with an absolute difference with the OIa of 0.86° SD 0.82 in the PS cohort and 1.03° SD 0.99 in the ASIS cohort (p=0.18). The difference between the RI and OIa was higher in the PS cohort 12.2° SD 4.1 compared with 7.5° SD 3.7 in the ASIS cohort (p<0.0001) with also a bigger variance (p=0.04) in the PS cohort. The mean RI was 38.5° SD 4.4 compared with 39.2° SD 4.1 (p=0.26) respectively. There were more cups outside the RI target zone in the PS cohort compared with the ASIS cohort (respectively 26 versus 15; p<0.05). In this study the mean difference between the RI and OIa (the angle of the cup introducer during surgery) was significantly less when using a support over the ASIS compared with a support over the pubic symphysis. Apparently using a support over the ASIS causes less pelvic motion during surgery compared with a support over the pubic symphysis. This resulted in less variance and inclination outliers when using a tight target zone of 35–45°

We examined the relationships between the serum levels of chromium and cobalt ions and the inclination angle of the acetabular component and the level of activity in 214 patients implanted with a metal-on-metal resurfacing hip replacement. Each patient had a single resurfacing and no other metal in their body. All serum measurements were performed at a minimum of one year after operation. The inclination of the acetabular component was considered to be steep if the abduction angle was greater than 55°. There were significantly higher levels of metal ions in patients with steeply-inclined components (p = 0.002 for chromium, p = 0.003 for cobalt), but no correlation was found between the level of activity and the concentration of metal ions. A highly significant (p < 0.001) correlation with the arc of cover was found. Arcs of cover of less than 10 mm were correlated with a greater risk of high concentrations of serum metal ions. The arc of coverage was also related to the design of the component and to size as well as to the abduction angle of the acetabular component. Steeply-inclined acetabular components, with abduction angles greater than 55°, combined with a small size of component are likely to give rise to higher serum levels of cobalt and chromium ions. This is probably due to a greater risk of edge-loading

Introduction. Radiological inclination (RI) is determined in part by operative inclination (OI), which is defined as the angle between the cup axis or handle and the sagittal plane. In lateral decubitus the theatre floor becomes a surrogate for the pelvic sagittal plane. Critically at the time of cup insertion if the pelvic sagittal plane is not parallel to the floor either because the upper hemi pelvis is internally rotated or adducted, RI can be much greater than expected. We have developed a simple Pelvic Orientation Device (POD) to help achieve a horizontal pelvic sagittal plane. The POD is a 3-sided square with flat footplates that are placed against the patient's posterior superior iliac spines following initial positioning (figure 1). A digital inclinometer is then placed parallel and perpendicular to the patient to give readings of internal rotation and adduction, which can then be corrected. Methods. A model representing the posterior aspect of the pelvis was created. This permitted known movement in two planes to simulate internal rotation and adduction of the upper hemi pelvis, with 15 known pre-set positions. 20 participants tested the POD in 5 random, blinded position combinations, providing 200 readings. The accuracy was measured by subtracting each reading from the known value. Results. 2 statistical outliers were identified and removed from analysis. The mean adduction error was 0.73°. For internal rotation, the mean error was −0.03°. Accuracy within 2.0° was achieved in 176 of 190 (93%) of readings (Table 1). The maximum error was 3.6° for internal rotation and 3.1° for adduction. Conclusion. In a model pelvis the POD provided an accurate and reproducible method of achieving a horizontal sagittal plane. Applied clinically, this simple tool has the potential to reduce the high values of RI sometimes seen following THA in lateral decubitus. For any figures and tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Radiological Inclination (RI) is defined as the angle formed between the acetabular axis and the longitudinal axis when projected onto the coronal plane. Higher RI angles are associated with adverse outcomes. Methods. Primary aim: to investigate the effect of adjusting patient pelvic position in the transverse plane by using a ‘head-down’ (HD) operating table position. This was to determine, when aiming for 35° Apparent Operative Inclination (AOI), which operating table position most accurately achieved a target post-operative RI of 42°. N=270. Patients were randomised to one of three possible operating table positions:. 0°HD (Horizontal),. 7°HD, or. Y°HD (Patient Specific Table Position). Operating table position was controlled using a digital inclinometer. RI was measured using EBRA software. Results. 0° HD:Range 32.9–61.7°,Mean 47.1°,Mean deviation from target 5.8°. 7° HD:Range 24.0–53.8°,Mean 41.0°,Mean deviation from target 4.2°. Y° HD:Range 30.6–54.8°,Mean 43.3°,Mean deviation from target 3.9°. ANOVA: Significant differences in mean deviation from target RI between both the 0°HD/7°HD table positions (p=0.002) and the 0°HD/Y°HD table positions (p<0.001). Though the mean deviation from target RI was lower for the patient specific HD table position (3.9°) compared to the 7° HD table position (4.2°),this did not obtain significance (p=0.562). Discussion. When aiming for 42° RI, both the 7°HD table position and Patient Specific HD table position provided a narrower RI range, more desirable mean RI and statistically improved mean deviation from target RI when compared to the 0°HD table position. Conclusion. When aiming for 35° AOI in order to obtain a target RI of 42°, the surgeon should avoid pelvic adduction by considering a ‘head down’ operating table tilt

Introduction. Operative inclination (OI) is defined as the angle between the acetabular axis and the sagittal plane. With the patient in the true lateral decubitus position, this corresponds to the angle formed between the handle of the acetabular component inserter and the theatre floor intra-operatively. Patients/Materials & Methods. The primary study aim was to determine which method of acetabular component insertion most accurately allows the surgeon to obtain a target OI of 35o. 270 consecutive patients undergoing cementless THA were randomised to one of three possible methods for acetabular component implantation:. 1. Freehand,. 2. 35o mechanical alignment guide (MAG), or. 3. Digital inclinometer assisted. Two surgeons participated. Target OI was 35o in all cases. OI was measured using a digital inclinometer. For the freehand and MAG cases, the surgeon was blinded to inclinometer readings intra-operatively. Results. Freehand: OI 25.2 – 43.2o. Mean deviation from target 2.92o. 35o MAG: OI 29.3 – 39.3o. Mean deviation from target 1.83o. Inclinometer assisted: OI 27.5 – 37.5o. Mean deviation from target 1.28o. Overall, when comparing mean deviation from target OI, a statistically significant difference between both the Freehand/Inclinometer group and Freehand/MAG group was demonstrated (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference between the Inclinometer/MAG groups was also demonstrated (p<0.023). Discussion. Both the 35o MAG and digital inclinometer assisted methods provided a considerably narrower OI range when compared to the freehand method. Though the range was similar for both the 35o MAG and digital inclinometer assisted methods, the SD was smaller in the inclinometer assisted group. Conclusion. The novel method of using a digital inclinometer to control operative inclination appears to be more accurate than both the freehand and mechanical alignment guide methods and may help further optimise acetabular component orientation

Aims

Several radiological methods of measuring anteversion of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been described. These are limited by low reproducibility, are less accurate than CT 3D reconstruction, and are cumbersome to use. These methods also partly rely on the identification of obscured radiological borders of the component. We propose two novel methods, the Area and Orthogonal methods, which have been designed to maximize use of readily identifiable points while maintaining the same trigonometric principles.

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. Methods. A total of 356 patients undergoing primary THA were prospectively enrolled from November 2016 to March 2018. Clinically relevant error using the CAS system was defined as a difference of > 5° between CAS and 3D radiological reconstruction measurements for acetabular component inclination and anteversion. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether hypermobile (. Δ. sacral slope(SS). stand-sit. > 30°), or stiff (. ∆. SS. stand-sit. < 10°) spinopelvic mobility contributed to increased error rates. Results. The paired absolute difference between CAS and postoperative imaging measurements was 2.3° (standard deviation (SD) 2.6°) for inclination and 3.1° (SD 4.2°) for anteversion. Using a target zone of 40° (± 10°) (inclination) and 20° (± 10°) (anteversion), postoperative standing radiographs measured 96% of acetabular components within the target zone for both inclination and anteversion. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for BMI and sex revealed that hypermobile spinopelvic mobility significantly increased error rates for anteversion (odds ratio (OR) 2.48, p = 0.009) and inclination (OR 2.44, p = 0.016), whereas stiff spinopelvic mobility increased error rates for anteversion (OR 1.97, p = 0.028). There were no dislocations at a minimum three-year follow-up. Conclusion. Despite high reliability in acetabular positioning for inclination in a large patient cohort using an optical CAS system, hypermobile and stiff spinopelvic mobility significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant errors. In patients with abnormal spinopelvic mobility, CAS systems should be adjusted for use to avoid acetabular component misalignment and subsequent risk for long-term dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(6):475–484

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal lip position for total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using a lipped liner. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal position, with substantial variability in surgeon practice. Methods. A model of a THA was developed using a 20° lipped liner. Kinematic analyses included a physiological range of motion (ROM) analysis and a provocative dislocation manoeuvre analysis. ROM prior to impingement was calculated and, in impingement scenarios, the travel distance prior to dislocation was assessed. The combinations analyzed included nine cup positions (inclination 30-40-50°, anteversion 5-15-25°), three stem positions (anteversion 0-15-30°), and five lip orientations (right hip 7 to 11 o’clock). Results. The position of the lip changes the ROM prior to impingement, with certain combinations leading to impingement within the physiological ROM. Inferior lip positions (7 to 8 o’clock) performed best with cup inclinations of 30° and 40°. Superior lip positions performed best with cup inclination of 50°. When impingement occurs in the plane of the lip, the lip increases the travel distance prior to dislocation. Inferior lip positions led to the largest increase in jump distance in a posterior dislocation provocation manoeuvre. Conclusion. The lip orientation that provides optimal physiological ROM depends on the orientation of the cup and stem. For a THA with stem anteversion 15°, cup inclination 40°, and cup anteversion 15°, the optimal lip position was posterior-inferior (8 o’clock). Maximizing jump distance prior to dislocation while preventing impingement in the opposite direction is possible with appropriate lip positioning. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(9):571–579

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. Methods. A total of 62 patients with an ASR-HRA were included and monitored yearly postoperatively. At follow-up, serum Co and Cr levels were measured and the HHS and the HOOS were scored. In addition, preoperative patient and implant variables and the need for revision surgery were recorded. We used a linear mixed model to relate the serum Co and Cr levels to different patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). For the survival analyses we used the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model. Results. We found that an increase of one part per billion (ppb) in serum Co and Cr levels correlated significantly with worsening of the HHS in the following year. This significant correlation was also true for the HOOS-Pain and HOOS-quality of life sub scores. The overall ten-year survival rate in our cohort was 65% (95% confidence interval (CI) 52.5 to 77.6). Cox regression analysis showed a significant hazard ratio (HR) of 1.08 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; p = 0.028) for serum Co level. No significance was found with sex or inclination angle. Conclusion. This study shows that increasing serum Co and Cr levels measured in patients with an ASR-HRA are predictive for deterioration in HHS and HOOS subscales in the following year. Increasing serum Co and Cr should forewarn both surgeon and patient that there is a heightened risk of failure. Continued and regular review of patients with an ASR-HRA implant by measurement of serum Co/Cr levels and PROMs remains essential. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):775–782

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. Methods. A multicentre observational cohort study in Australia between February 2017 and March 2021 included consecutive patients undergoing acetabular reconstruction with CTACs in rTHA (Paprosky 3A/3B defects) or tumour resection (including Enneking P2 peri-acetabular area). Of 103 eligible patients (104 hips), 34 patients (35 hips) were analyzed. Results. CTAC positioning was generally accurate, with minor deviations in cup inclination (mean 2.7°; SD 2.84°), anteversion (mean 3.6°; SD 5.04°), and rotation (mean 2.1°; SD 2.47°). Deviation of the hip centre of rotation (COR) showed a mean vector length of 5.9 mm (SD 7.24). Flange positions showed small deviations, with the ischial flange exhibiting the largest deviation (mean vector length of 7.0 mm; SD 8.65). Overall, 83% of the implants were accurately positioned, with 17% exceeding malpositioning thresholds. CTACs used in tumour resections exhibited higher positioning accuracy than rTHA cases, with significant differences in inclination (1.5° for tumour vs 3.4° for rTHA) and rotation (1.3° for tumour vs 2.4° for rTHA). The use of intraoperative navigation appeared to enhance positioning accuracy, but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion. This study demonstrates favourable CTAC positioning accuracy, with potential for improved accuracy through intraoperative navigation. Further research is needed to understand the implications of positioning accuracy on implant performance and long-term survival. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):260–268

We have previously reported on the improved all-cause revision and improved revision for instability risk in lipped liner THAs using the NJR dataset. These findings corroborate studies from the Australian (AOANJRR) and New Zealand (NZOA) joint registries. The optimal orientation of the lip in THAs utilising a lipped liner remains unclear to many surgeons. The aim of this study was to identify impingement-free optimal liner orientations whilst considering femoral stem version, cup inclination and cup version. A cementless THA kinematic model was developed using a 20 degree XLPE liner. Physiological ROM and provocative dislocation manoeuvre analyses were performed. A total of 9 cup positions were analysed (inclination 30–40–50 degrees, anteversion 5-15-25 degrees) and combined with 3 stem positions (anteversion 0-15-30 degrees) and 5 lip orientations (right hip 11 to 7 o'clock). Some lip orientation/component position combinations lead to impingement within the physiological ROM range. Using a lipped liner increases the femoral head travel distance prior to dislocation when impingement occurs in the plane of the lip. In THAs with a cup inclination of 30 and 40 degrees, inferior lip orientations (7–8 o'clock for a right hip) performed best. Superior lip orientation performed best with a cup inclination of 50 degrees. Femoral stem version has a significant effect on the range of movement prior to impingement and hence the preferred lip orientation. The optimal orientation of the lip in lipped liner THA is dependent on the position of both the acetabular and femoral components. In the common component orientation combination of stem anteversion 15, cup inclination 40 and cup anteversion 15, the optimal lip orientation was postero-inferiorly (8 o'clock for a right hip). Preventing impingement during physiological ROM is possible with appropriate lip liner orientation

Dual Mobility (DM) Total Hip Replacements (THRs), are becoming widely used but function in-vivo is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of impingement of a modular dual mobility with that of a standard cup. A geometrical model of one subject's bony anatomy \[1\] was developed, a THR was implanted with the cup at a range of inclination and anteversion positions (Corail® stem, Pinnacle® cup (DePuy Synthes)). Two DM variants and one STD acetabular cup were modelled. Joint motions were taken from kinematic data of activities of daily living associated with dislocation \[2\] and walking. The occurrence of impingement was assessed for each component combination, orientation and activity. Implant-implant impingement can occur between the femoral neck and the metal or PE liner (DM or STD constructs respectively) or neck-PE mobile liner (DM only). The results comprise a colour coded matrix which sums the number of impingement events for each cup position and activity and for each implant variant. Neck-PE mobile liner impingement, occurred for both DM sizes, for all activities, and most cup placement positions indicating that the PE mobile liner is likely to move at the start of all activities including walking. For all constructs no placement positions avoided neck-metal (DM) or neck-PE liner (STD) impingementevents in all activities. The least number of events occurred at higher inclination and anteversion component positions. In addition to implant-implant impingement, some instances of bone-bone and implant-bone impingement were also observed. Consistent with DM philosophy, neck-PE mobile liner impingement and liner motion occurred for all activities including walking. Neck-liner impingement frequency was comparable between both DM sizes (metal liner) and a standard cup (PE liner)

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

Mixed Reality has the potential to improve accuracy and reduce required dissection for the performance of peri-acetabular osteotomy. The current work assesses initial proof of concept of MR guidance for PAO. A PAO planning module, based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging, allows for the planning of PAO cut planes and repositioning of the acetabular fragment. 3D files (holograms) of the cut planes and native and planned acetabulum positions are exported with the associated spatial information. The files are then displayed on mixed reality head mounted device (HoloLens2, Microsoft) following intraoperative registration using an FDA-cleared mixed reality application designed primary for hip arthroplasty (HipInsight). PAO was performed on both sides of a bone model (Pacific Research). The osteotomies and acetabular reposition were performed in accordance with the displayed holograms. Post-op CT imaging was performed for analysis. Cutting plane-accuracy was evaluated using a best-fit plane and 2D angles (°) between the planned and achieved supra (SA)- and retroacetabular (RA) osteotomy and retroacetabular and ischial osteotomies (IO) were measured. To evaluate the accuracy of acetabular reorientation, we digitized the acetabular rim and calculated the acetabular opening plane. Absolute errors of planned and achieved operative inclination and anteversion (°) of the acetabular fragment, as well as 3D lateral-center-edge (LCE) angles were calculated. The mean absolute difference between the planned and performed osteotomy angles was 3 ± 3°. The mean absolute error between planned and achieved operative anteversion and inclination was 1 ± 0° and 0 ± 0° respectively. Mean absolute error between planned and achieved 3D LCE angle was 0.5 ± 0.7°. Mixed-reality guidance for the performance of pelvic osteotomies and acetabular fragment reorientation was feasible and highly accurate. This solution may improve the current standard of care by enabling reliable and precise reproduction of the desired acetabular realignment

The best treatment method of large acetabular bone defects at revision THR remains controversial. Some of the factors that need consideration are the amount of residual pelvic bone removed during revision; the contact area between the residual pelvic bone and the new implant; and the influence of the new acetabular construct on the centre of rotation of the hip. The purpose of this study was to compare these variables in two of the most used surgical techniques used to reconstruct severe acetabular defects: the trabecular metal acetabular revision system (TMARS) and a custom triflanged acetabular component (CTAC). Pre- and post-operative CT-scans were acquired from 11 patients who underwent revision THR with a TMARS construct for a Paprosky IIIB defect, 10 with pelvic discontinuity, at Royal Adelaide Hospital. The CT scans were used to generate computer models to virtually compare the TMARS and CTAC constructs using a semi-automated method. The TMARS construct model was calculated using postoperative CT scans while the CTAC constructs using the preoperative CT scans. The bone contact, centre of rotation, inclination, anteversion and reamed bone differences were calculated for both models. There was a significant difference in the mean amount of bone reamed for the TMARS reconstructions (15,997 mm. 3. ) compared to the CTAC reconstructions (2292 mm. 3. , p>0.01). There was no significant difference between overall implant bone contact (TMARS 5760mm. 2. vs CTAC 5447mm. 2. , p=0.63). However, there was a significant difference for both cancellous (TMARS 4966mm. 2. vs CTAC 2887mm. 2. , p=0.008) and cortical bone contact (TMARS 795mm. 2. vs CTAC 2560mm. 2. , p=0.001). There was no difference in inclination and anteversion achieved. TMARS constructs resulted on average in a centre of rotations 7.4mm more lateral and 4.0mm more posterior. Modelling of two different reconstructions of Paprosky IIIB defects demonstrated potential important differences between all variables investigated

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the implant accuracy of custom-made partial pelvis replacements (PPRs) in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Custom-made implants offer an option to achieve a reconstruction in cases with severe acetabular bone loss. By analyzing implant deviation in CT and radiograph imaging and correlating early clinical complications, we aimed to optimize the usage of custom-made implants. Methods. A consecutive series of 45 (2014 to 2019) PPRs for Paprosky III defects at rTHA were analyzed comparing the preoperative planning CT scans used to manufacture the implants with postoperative CT scans and radiographs. The anteversion (AV), inclination (IC), deviation from the preoperatively planned implant position, and deviation of the centre of rotation (COR) were explored. Early postoperative complications were recorded, and factors for malpositioning were sought. The mean follow-up was 30 months (SD 19; 6 to 74), with four patients lost to follow-up. Results. Mean CT defined discrepancy (Δ) between planned and achieved AV and IC was 4.5° (SD 3°; 0° to 12°) and 4° (SD 3.5°; 1° to 12°), respectively. Malpositioning (Δ > 10°) occurred in five hips (10.6%). Native COR reconstruction was planned in 42 cases (93%), and the mean 3D deviation vector was 15.5 mm (SD 8.5; 4 to 35). There was no significant influence in malpositioning found for femoral stem retention, surgical approach, or fixation method. Conclusion. At short-term follow-up, we found that PPR offers a viable solution for rTHA in cases with massive acetabular bone loss, as highly accurate positioning can be accomplished with meticulous planning, achieving anatomical reconstruction. Accuracy of achieved placement contributed to reduced complications with no injury to vital structures by screw fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1110–1117