Introduction. Interactions between hip, pelvis and spine, as abnormal spinopelvic movements, have been associated with inferior outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Changes in pelvis position lead to a mutual change in functional cup orientation, with both pelvic tilt and rotation having a significant effect on version. Hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients have shown reduced hip kinematics which may place increased demands on the pelvis and the spine. Sagittal and coronal planes assessments are commonly done as these can be adequately studied with anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. However, abnormal pelvis rotation is likely to compromise the outcome as they have a detrimental effect on cup orientation and increased impingement risk. This study aims to determine the association between dynamic motion and radiographic sagittal assessments; and examine the association between axial and sagittal spinal and pelvic kinematics between hip OA patients and healthy controls (CTRL). Methods. This is a prospective study, IRB approved. Twenty hip OA pre-THA patients (11F/9M, 67±9 years) and six CTRL (3F/3M, 46±18 years) underwent lateral spinopelvic radiographs in standing and seated bend-and-reach (SBR) positions. Pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic-femoral-angle (PFA) and lumbar lordosis (LL) angles were measured in both positions and the differences (Δ) between standing and SBR were calculated. Dynamic SBR and seated maximal-trunk-rotation (STR) were recorded in the biomechanics laboratory using a 10-infrared camera and processed on a motion capture system (Vicon, UK). Direct kinematics extracted maximal pelvic tilt (PT. max. ), hip flexion (HF. max. ) and (mid-thoracic to lumbar) spinal flexion (SF. max. ). The SBR pelvic movement contribution (ΔPT. rel. ) was calculated as ΔPT/(ΔPT+ΔPFA)∗100 for the radiographic analysis and as PT. max. /(PT. max. +HF. max. ) for the motion analyses. Axial and sagittal, pelvic and spinal range of motion (ROM) were calculated for STR and SBR, respectively. Spearman's rank-order determined correlations between the spinopelvic radiographs and sagittal kinematics, and the sagittal/axial kinematics. Mann-Whitney U-tests compared measures between groups. Results. Radiograph readings correlated with sagittal kinematics during SBR for ΔPT and PT. max. (ρ=0.64, p<0.001), ΔPFA and HF. max. (ρ=0.44, p<0.0002), and ΔLL and SF. max. (ρ=0.34, p=0.002). Relative pelvic movements (ΔPT. rel. ) were not different between radiographic (11%±21) and biomechanical (15%±29) readings (p=0.9). Sagittal SRB spinal flexion correlated with the axial STR rotation (ρ=0.43, p<0.0001). Although not seen in CTRL, sagittal SRB pelvic flexion strongly correlated with STR pelvic rotation in OA patients (ρ=0.40, p=0.002). All spinopelvic parameters were different between the patients with OA and CTRL. CTRLs exhibited significantly greater mobility and less variability in all 3 segments (spine, pelvis, hip) and both planes (axial and sagittal) (Table 1). Conclusion. Correlation between sagittal kinematics and radiographical measurements during SBR validates the spinopelvic mobility assessments in the biomechanics laboratory. Axial kinematics of both pelvis and spine correlated significantly in OA patients, suggesting that patients with abnormal sagittal mobility are likely to also exhibit abnormal axial mobility, which can further potentiate any at-risk kinematics. Significantly lower OA ROM must be investigated post-THA. Pre-THA variability of both sagittal and axial movements indicates that both planes must be considered ahead of surgical planning with navigation and/or robotics. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Tibial plateau fracture reduction involves restoration of alignment and articular congruity. Restorations of sagittal alignment (tibial slope) of medial and lateral condyles of the tibial plateau are independent of each other in the fracture setting. Limited independent assessment of medial and lateral tibial plateau sagittal alignment has been performed to date. Our objective was to characterize medial and lateral tibial slopes using fluoroscopy and to correlate X-ray and CT findings. Phase One: Eight cadaveric knees were mounted in extension. C-arm fluoroscopy was used to acquire an AP image and the C-arm was adjusted in the sagittal plane from 15° of cephalad tilt to 15 ° of caudad tilt with images captured at 0.5° increments. The “perfect AP” angle, defined as the angle that most accurately profiled the articular surface, was determined for medial and lateral condyles of each tibia by five surgeons. Given that it was agreed across surgeons that more than one angle provided an adequate profile of each compartment, a range of AP angles corresponding to adequate images was recorded. Phase Two: Perfect AP angles from Phase One were projected onto sagittal CT images in Horos software in the mid-medial compartment and mid-lateral compartment to determine the precise tangent subchondral anatomic structures seen on CT to serve as dominant bony landmarks in a protocol generated for calculating medial and lateral tibial slopes on CT. Phase Three: 46 additional cadaveric knees were imaged with CT. Tibial slopes were determined in all 54 specimens. Phase One: Based on the perfect AP angle on X-ray, the mean medial slope was 4.2°+/-2.6° posterior and mean lateral slope was 5.0°+/-3.8° posterior in eight knees. A range of AP angles was noted to adequately profile each compartment in all specimens and was noted to be wider in the lateral (3.9°+/-3.8°) than medial compartment (1.8°+/-0.7° p=0.002). Phase Two: In plateaus with a concave shape, the perfect AP angle on X-ray corresponded with a line between the superiormost edges of the anterior and posterior lips of the plateau on CT. In plateaus with a flat or convex shape, the perfect AP angle aligned with a tangent to the subchondral surface extending from center to posterior plateau on CT. Phase Three: Based on the CT protocol created in Phase Two, mean medial slope (5.2°+/-2.3° posterior) was significantly less than lateral slope (7.5°+/-3.0° posterior) in 54 knees (p<0.001). In individual specimens, the difference between medial and lateral slopes was variable, ranging from 6.8° more laterally to 3.1° more medially. In a paired comparison of right and left knees from the same cadaver, no differences were noted between sides (medial p=0.43; lateral p=0.62). On average there is slightly more tibial slope in the lateral plateau than medial plateau (2° greater). However, individual patients may have substantially more lateral slope (up to 6.8°) or even more medial slope (up to 3.1°). Since tibial slope was similar between contralateral limbs, evaluating slope on the uninjured side provides a template for sagittal plane reduction of tibial plateau fractures

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

Background. Postural change after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is still a matter of discussion. Previous studies have mainly concentrated on the pelvic motions. We report the postoperative changes of the global sagittal posture using pelvic, spinal and lower extremities parameters. Methods. 139 patients (primary THA, without previous spinal or lower extremity surgery) were included. We measured pelvic parameters [SS: Sacral Slope, PI: Pelvic Incidence, PT: Pelvic Tilt, APP angle: Anterior Pelvic Plane angle] and the global posture parameters (SVA: Sagittal Vertical Angle, GSA: Global Sagittal Angle, TPA: T1 pelvic angle). Patients were categorized into low PI group <45°, 45°< medium PI <65° and high PI >65°. Results. Mean GSA and SVA decreased postoperatively (p=0.005 and p=0.004 respectively). The TPA change was not significant (p=0.078). In low PI group, GSA (5.4 ± 5.0 to 4.3 ± 4.0, p=0.005) and SVA (5.4 ± 4.9 to 4.2 ± 4.1, p=0.038) decreased with more posterior pelvic tilt. Postoperative TPA was significantly higher (8.4 ± 10.6 to 9.8 ± 10.7; p=0.048). In medium PI group, SVA decreased (4.2 ± 4.6 to 3.6 ± 4.5, p=0.020) with more posterior pelvic tilt. In high PI group, pelvic and global posture parameters did not evolve significantly. Conclusion. PI is the key determining factor in pelvic tilt modification after THA. Patients with low PI demonstrate significant modification in spine, pelvic and lower extremities. Pelvic tilt is the main adaptation mechanism for medium incidence patients whereas pelvic tilt does not change in high PI patients after surgery

Total joint arthroplasty is an extremely high quality medical intervention with measured benefit to individual patients and society as a whole. However, nearly 20% of patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may report some level of dissatisfaction following surgery. Weight-bearing-in-flexion activities such as squatting and ascending/descending stairs are those activities with which patients most frequently report dissatisfaction. It is assumed that optimal functioning following TKA requires proper femoral and tibial implant positioning in all planes (sagittal, coronal, and axial), proper femoral-tibial balance in the coronal and sagittal plane and durable fixation irrespective of implant design and the manner in which the surgery is executed. Posterior stabilised (PS) and cruciate retaining (CR) TKA designs are the most predominant implants utilised yet their kinematics are infrequently close to normal. In addition, there is little clinical evidence that one design is superior to another. Alternative designs such as bi-cruciate and medially stabilised designs are much less frequently used and much less frequently studied. However, in both cases, isolated centers with relatively small volumes of patients studied have reported outcomes superior to PS and CR designs depending on the metric assessed. With respect to kinematics, bi-cruciate and medially stabilised designs have displayed certain patterns of behavior that more closely mimic the native knee both in-vitro and in-vivo. Normal knee kinematics, as described by Freeman and Pinskerova, includes lateral sided femoral rollback with progressive knee flexion (alternatively thought of as internal tibial rotation with flexion) and sagittal plane stability achieved through the medial compartment. In theory, both optimal sagittal plane stability and internal tibial rotation with progressive flexion (consistent with normal dynamic changes in tibial tubercle – trochlear groove distance) following TKA should optimise weight-bearing-in-flexion kinematics and load transfer. Patient-related satisfaction with such activities might thus reasonably improve and may help explain the separate findings of Pritchett and Hossain regarding outcomes following medially stabilised TKA. Medially stabilised TKA affords sagittal plane stability in mid-flexion and internal tibial rotation with flexion without the complexity and unique failure modes seen following bi-cruciate TKA. The work flow of performing medially stabilised TKA is similar to PS and CR surgical techniques and the surgeon need not climb a steep learning curve. In addition, similar to PS TKA, medial stabilised TKA is applicable to any primary state in which coronal plane balance can be achieved. Further investigation in well-designed trials is necessary to fully develop an understanding of how different contemporary TKA designs might impact patient reported outcome. Larger registry populations of medially stabilised TKA over time are also necessary to best assess survivorship compared to other contemporary designs

Restoration of ankle alignment is thought to be critical in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) outcomes, but previous research is primarily focused on coronal alignment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sagittal alignment of the talar component. The talar component inclination, measured by the previously-described gamma angle, was hypothesized to be predictive of TAA outcomes. A retrospective review of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) database of ankle arthritis was performed on all TAA cases at a single center over a 11-year period utilizing one of two modern implant designs. Cases without postoperative x-rays taken between 6 and 12 weeks were excluded. The gamma angle was measured by two independent orthopaedic surgeons twice each and standard descriptive statistics was done in addition to a survival analysis. The postoperative gamma angles were analyzed against several definitions of TAA failure and patient-reported outcome measures from the COFAS database by an expert biostatistician. 109 TAA cases satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. An elevated postoperative gamma angle higher than 22 degrees was associated with talar component subsidence, defined as a change in gamma angle of 5 degrees or more between postoperative and last available followup radiographs. This finding was true when adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and inflammatory arthritis status. All measured angles were found to have good inter- and intraobserver reliability. Surgeons should take care to not excessively dorsiflex the talar cuts during TAA surgery. The gamma angle is a simple and reliable radiographic measurement to predict long-term outcomes of TAA and can help surgeons counsel their patients postoperatively

Purpose. Spinopelvic parameters describe the orientation, shape, and morphology of the spine and pelvis. In children without spinal deformity, these parameters have been shown to change during the first ten years of life; however, spinopelvic parameters have yet to be defined in children with significant Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of EOS on sagittal spinopelvic alignment. Method. Standing, lateral radiographs of 82 untreated patients with EOS greater than 50 degrees were evaluated. Sagittal spine parameters (sagittal balance, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL)) and sagittal pelvic parameters (pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), modified pelvic radius angle (PR)) were measured. These results were compared to those reported by Mac-Thiong et al (Spine, 2004) for a group of asymptomatic (i.e. without spinal deformity) children of similar age. Results. These patients had a mean age of 5.17 years and mean scoliosis of 73.3 17.3. Mean sagittal spine parameters were: sagittal balance (+2.4 4.03 cm), TK (38.2 20.8), and LL (47.8 17.7). These values were similar to those reported for asymptomatic subjects. Mean sagittal pelvic parameters were measured for PI (47.1 15.6), PT (10.3 10.7), SS (35.5 12.2), and PR (57.1 21.2). Although PI was similar to age-matched normals, PT was significantly higher and SS trended lower in the study population. Conclusion. Sagittal plane spine parameters in children with EOS were similar to those found in children without spinal deformity. Likewise, pelvic parameters (PI, SS, PR) were similar; however, those children with EOS signs of pelvic retroversion (increased pelvic tilt). This data may be useful as a baseline in determining prognosis for children with EOS who are treated with growing systems

Introduction. In total knee arthroplasty, the aim is to relieve pain and provide a stable, functional knee. Sagittal stability is crucial in enabling a patient to return to functional activities. Knee implants with a medial pivot (MP) design are thought to more accurately reproduce the mechanics of the native joint, and potentially confer greater antero-posterior stability through the range of flexion than some other implant designs. Aim. This study aims to compare the sagittal stability of four different total knee arthroplasty implant designs. Method. Comparison was made between four different implant designs: medial pivot (MP), two different types of cruciate retaining (CR1 and CR 2) and deep dish (DD). A cohort of 30 Medial Pivot (MP) knees were compared with matched patients from each of the other designs, 10 in each group. Patients were matched for age, body mass index and time to follow up. Clinical examination was carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon blinded to implant type, and sagittal stability was tested using a KT1000 knee arthrometer, applying 67N of force at 30˚ and 90˚. Results. The MP knee was more stable than the CR1 knee at both 30º (mean movement: 1.37mm vs 2.48mm, p=0.037) and 90º (1.68mm vs 2.37mm, p=0.030). The MP knee was more stable than the CR2 knee at 30º (0.98mm vs1.33mm, p=0.013). The MP knee also demonstrated less movement at 90 º (0.98mm vs 1.33mm), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.156). The MP knee was more stable than the DD knee at 30 º (0.48mm vs 1.33mm, p=0.03) and 90 º (0.67mm vs 1.15mm, p=0.048). Overall the medial pivot design was more stable than all non-medial pivot designs at 30 º (0.8mm vs1.66mm, p=0.003) and 90 º (1.1mm vs 1.61mm, p= 0.008). Conclusion. Overall, the medial pivot design demonstrated significantly greater antero-posterior stability than all other design types included in this study. Correlation with patient reported outcome scales will allow insight into whether these statistically significant differences are also clinically significant

Sagittal stability of the knee is believed to be of significant importance following total knee arthroplasty. We examine four different knee designs at a minimum of twenty-four months postoperatively. Sagittal stability was measured at four degrees of flexion: 0°; 30°; 60°; and 90°, to examine the effect of design on mid-flexion stability. The knee designs included were: the rotating platform LCS design (DePuy); the cruciate sparing Triathlon system (Stryker); SAIPH system (Matortho, UK); and the medial rotating knee design, MRK (Matortho, UK). Following ethical approval, 64 cases were enrolled into the study, 22 male and 42 female. Inclusion criteria included: a minimum of 18 months from surgery; ability to flex beyond 90 degrees; and have no postoperative complications. 18 LCS, 18 MRK, 14 SAIPH and 14 Triathlon knee designs were analysed. Sagittal stability was measured using the KT1000 device. Active range of movement was measured using a hand held goniometer and recorded as was Oxford knee score, WOMAC knee score, SF12 and Kujala patellofemoral knee score. Mean follow-up was 33.7 months postoperative, with a mean age of 72 years. Mean weight was 82.7kgs and height 164cms. There was no significant difference in preoperative demographics between the groups. Mean active post-operative range of motion of the knee was from 2–113° with no significant difference between groups. Sagittal stability was similar in all four groups in full extension; however the MRK and SAIPH designs showed improved stability in the mid-range of flexion (30–90°). Patient satisfaction also showed a similar trend with MRK achieving better patient reported functional outcomes and satisfaction than that of the SAIPH, LCS and Triathlon systems. All four knee designs demonstrated good post-operative range of movement with comparative improvement of patient scores to other reported studies. The MRK and SAIPH knee design showed an improved mid-flexion sagittal stability with better patient reported satisfaction and functional scores

Background. Aseptic loosening is rare with most cementless tapered stems in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), however different factors can modify results. We ask if the shape and technique of three current different femoral components affects the clinical and radiological outcome after a minimum follow-up of ten years. Methods. 889 cementless tapered stems implanted from 1999 to 2007 were prospectively followed. Group 1 (273 hips) shared a conical shape and a porous-coated surface, group 2 (286 hips) a conical splined shape and group 3 (330 hips) a rectangular stem. Clinical outcome and anteroposterior and sagittal radiographic analysis were compared. Femoral type, stem position, femoral canal filling at three levels and the possible appearance of loosening and bone remodelling changes were assessed. Results. No thigh pain was reported in unrevised patients. Mean Harris Hip score was lower for patients in group 3 for pain and function at 6 months, two years and at latest follow-up. The survival rate of not having revision of the stem for any cause was 98.5% (95% CI 98.8–100) for group 1 at 12 years, 99.3 % ((95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 97.9–100) for group 2 at 16 years and 97.7% (95% (CI) 94–100) for group 3 at 14 years, and (log rank= 0.109). Thirteen stems from the latter were revised for aseptic loosening. No revision for aseptic loosening was found in the other designs. After controlling all confounding factors, the risk for aseptic loosening in group 3 was related to a lower femoral canal filling (p=0.039, Hazard Ratio (HR):0.918, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):0.846–0.996) and a stem position outside neutral limits in the sagittal alignment (p=0.048, HR:3.581, 95% CI:1.010–12.696). Conclusions. Conical tapered cementless stems are more reliable than rectangular straight designs in primary THA after ten years

Introduction. Sagittal pelvic tilt (SPT) can change with spinal pathologies and fusion. Change in the SPT can result in impingement and hip instability. Our aim was to determine the magnitude of the SPT change for hip instability to test the hypothesis that the magnitude of SPT change for hip instability is less than 10° and it is not similar for different hip motions. Methods. Hip implant motions were simulated in standing, sitting, sit-to-stand, bending forward, squatting and pivoting in Matlab software. When prosthetic head and liner are parallel, femoral head dome (FHD) faces the center of the liner. FHD moves toward the edge of the liner with hip motions. The maximum distance between the FHD and the center in each motion was calculated and analyzed. To make the results more reliable and to consider the possibility of bony impingement, when the FHD approached 90% of the distance between the liner-center and liner-edge, we considered the hip “in danger for dislocation”. The implant orientations and SPT were modified by 1-degree increments and we used linear regression with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) to determine the magnitude of SPT change that could cause instability. Results. SPT modification as low as 7° could result in dislocation during pivoting (AUC: 87.5; sensitivity: 87.9; specificity 79.8; p=0.0001). This was as low as 10° for squatting (AUC: 91.5; sensitivity: 100; specificity 75.9; p=0.0001) and as low as 13° for sit-to-stand (AUC: 94.6; sensitivity: 98; specificity 83; p=0.0001). SPT modification affects hip stability more in pivoting than sit-to-stand and squatting. Discussion. Our results show the importance of close collaboration between the hip and spine surgeons in treating patients who undergo THA and spinal fusion. The postoperative SPT modification should be considered for preoperative computer simulation for determining the implant safe zone

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 pelvis moves in the sagittal plane during functional activity. These movements can have a detrimental effect on functional cup orientation. The authors previously reported that 17% of total hip replacement (THR) patients have excessive pelvic rotation preoperatively. This increased pelvic rotation could be a risk factor for instability and edge-loading in both flexion and/or extension. The aim of this study was to investigate how gender, age and lumbar spine stiffness affects the number of patients at risk of excessive sagittal pelvic rotation. Method. Pre-operatively, 3428 patients had their pelvic tilt (PT) and lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) measured in three positions; supine, standing and flexed-seated, as part of routine planning for THR. The pelvic rotation from supine-to-standing and from supine-to-seated was determined from the difference in pelvic tilt measurements between positions. Lumbar flexion was determined as the difference between LLA standing and LLA when flexed-seated. Patients were stratified into groups based upon age, gender and lumbar flexion. The percentage of patients in each group with excessive pelvic rotation, defined by rotation ≥13° in a detrimental direction, was determined. Results. Posterior pelvic rotation from supine-to-stand increased with age and decreasing lumbar flexion. This was more pronounced in females. Similarly, anterior pelvic rotation from supine-to-seated increased with age and decreasing lumbar flexion. This was more pronounced in males. Notably, 30% of elderly females had excessive pelvic rotation. Furthermore, 38% of patients with lumbar flexion <20° had excessive pelvic rotation. Conclusions. Excessive pelvic rotation was more common in older patients and in patients with limited lumbar flexion. This might be a factor in the increased dislocation rate in the elderly population. A more stable articulation might be a consideration in patients with limited lumbar flexion (<20°). This constitutes 5% of the THR population. The large range of pelvic rotation in each group supports individual analysis on all patients undergoing THR

Sagittal stability of the knee is believed to be of significant importance following a total knee arthroplasty. We examine three different knee designs at a minimum of twenty-four months postoperatively. Sagittal stability was measured at four degrees of flexion; 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° to examine the effect of design on mid-flexion stability. The knee designs included the rotating platform LCS design, the cruciate sparing Triathlon system and the medial rotating knee design, MRK. Following ethical approval 50 cases were enrolled into the study, 15 male and 35 female. Eighteen LCS, 18 MRK and 14 Triathlon knee designs were analysed. Sagittal stability was measured using the KT1000 device. Active range of movement was measured using a hand held goniometer and recorded as was Oxford knee score, WOMAC knee score, SF12 and Kujala patellofemoral knee score. Mean follow-up was 37 months postoperative with a mean age of 73 years. Mean weight was 82.7 kgs and height 164 cms. There was no significant difference in preoperative demographics between the groups. Mean active post-operative range of motion of the knee was from 2–113° with no significant difference between groups. Sagittal stability was similar in all three groups in full extension; however the MRK design showed improved stability in the mid-range of flexion (30–90°). Patient satisfaction also showed a similar trend with MRK achieving slightly better patient reported outcomes than that of the LCS and Triathlon systems, although this was not statistically significant. All three knee designs demonstrated good post-operative range of movement with comparative improvement of patient scores to other reported studies. The MRK knee design showed an improved mid-flexion sagittal stability

Background. Cup anteversion and inclination are important to avoid implant impingement and dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is well known that functional cup anteversion and cup inclination also change as the pelvic sagittal inclination (PSI) changes, and many reports have been made to investigate the PSI in supine and standing positions. However, the maximum numbers of subjects studied are around 150 due to the requirement of considerable manual input in measuring the PSIs. Therefore, PSI in supine and standing positions were measured fully automatically with a computational method in a large cohort, and the factors which relate to the PSI change from supine to standing were analyzed in this study. Methods. A total of 422 patients who underwent THA from 2011 to 2015 were the subjects of this study. There were 83 patients with primary OA, 274 patients with DDH derived secondary OA (DDH-OA), 48 patients with osteonecrosis, and 17 patients with rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC). The median age of the patient was 61 (range; 15–87). Preoperative PSI in supine and standing positions were measured and the number of cases in which PSI changed more than 10° posteriorly were calculated. PSI in supine was measured as the angle between the anterior pelvic plane (APP) and the horizontal line of the body on the sagittal plane of APP, and PSI in standing was measured as the angle between the APP and the line perpendicular to the horizontal surface on the sagittal plane of APP (Fig. 1). The value was set positive if the pelvis was tilted anteriorly and was set negative if the pelvis tilted posteriorly. Type of hip disease, sex, and age were analyzed with multiple logistic regression analysis if they were related to PSI change of more than 10°. For accuracy verification, PSI in supine and standing were measured manually with the previous manual method in 100 cases and were compared with the automated system used in this study. Results. The median PSI in the supine position was 5.1° (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.4 to 9.4°), and the median PSI in the standing position was −1.3° (IQR: −6.5 to 4.2°). There were 79 cases (19%) in which the PSI changed more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing with a maximum change of 36.9° (Fig. 2). In the analysis of the factors, type of hip disease (p = 0.015) and age (p = 0.006, Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.035) were the significant factors. The OR of primary OA (p = 0.005, OR: 2.365) and RDC (p = 0.03, OR: 3.146) were significantly higher than DDH-OA. In accuracy verification, the automated PSI measurement showed ICC of 0.992 (95% CI: 0.988 to 0.955) for supine measurement and 0.978 (95% CI: 0.952 to 0.988) for standing measurement. Conclusions. PSI changed more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing in 19% of the cases. Age and diagnosis of primary OA and RDC were related to having their pelvis recline more than 10° posteriorly. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).

Introduction. Spatial orientation of the pelvis in the sagittal plane is a key parameter for hip function. Pelvic extension (or retroversion) and pelvic flexion(or anteversion) are currently assessed using Sacral Slope (SS) evaluation (respectively SS decrease and SS increase). Pelvic retroversion may be a risk situation for THA patients. But the magnitude of SS is dependant on the magnitude of pelvic incidence (PI) and may fail to discriminate pelvic position due to patient's anatomy and the potential adaptation mechanisms: a high PI patient has a higher SS but this situation can hide an associated pelvic extension due to compensatory mechanisms of the pelvic area. A low PI patient has a lower SS with less adaptation possibilities in case of THA especially in aging patients. The individual relative pelvic version (RPV) is defined as the difference between « measured SS » (SSm) minus the « normal SS »(SSn) described for the standard population. The aim of the study was to evaluate RPV in standing and sitting position with a special interest for high and low PI patients. Materials and Methods. 96 patients without THA (reference group) and 96 THA patients were included. Pelvic parameters (SS and PI) were measured on standing and sitting EOS images. RPV standing (SSm-SSn) was calculated using the formula SSm – (9 + 0.59 × PI) according to previous publications. SSn in sitting position was calculated according to PI using linear regression: RPV sitting was calculated using the formula RPV = SS – (3,54+ 0,38 × PI). Three subgroups were defined according to pelvic incidence (PI): low PI <45°, 45°<normal PI<65° or high PI>65°. Results. For THA patients, pelvic parameters were:. SSm standing 41° (SD 11°; 8°.73°). SSm sitting 25° (SD 12°;−3°.54°). SSm variation 16°(SD 11°; 9°.46°). RPV standing −2°(SD 9°; −27°.21°). RPV sitting 7° (SD 10; −15°.29°). For non THA patients, pelvic parameters were:. SSm standing39° (SD 10°; 13°.63°). SSm sitting 17° (SD 11°;−5°.48°). SSm variation 27°(SD 13°; −27°.46°). RPV standing −1°(SD 7°; −29°.12°). RPV sitting 0° (SD 10,5; −29.35). Standing-sitting SS variations and RPV were not correlated with PI. Low PI incidence patients had very low RPV standing and sitting. In non THA patients RPV standing and sitting were very low. In THA patients standing-sitting SS variations and RPV were higher than for non THA patients. Sitting RPV was higher than in standing position. Discussion, Conclusion. The overall analysis of SS has limitations: higher or lower SS may be linked to 2 factors: pelvic morphology (PI) and sagittal orientation of the pelvis. RPV and PI were not correlated: a higher or lower value of RPV directly represents the sagittal orientation of the pelvis. Low PI patients have a specific postural pattern with low pelvic adaptability. THA patients specificity for RPV needs further studies for understanding the impact on postoperative rebalancing and instability problems

Introduction. Flexion instability of the knee accounts for, up to, 22% of reported revisions following TKA. It can present in the early post-operative phase or present— secondary to a rupture of the PCL— in the late post-operative phase. While most reports of instability occur in conjunction with cruciate retaining implants, instability in a posterior-stabilized knee is not uncommon. Due to the prevalence of revision due to instability, the purpose of constructing the following techniques is to utilize intraoperative sensors to quantify flexion gap stability. Methods. 500 posterior cruciate-retaining TKAs were performed between September 2012 and April 2013, by four collaborating surgeons. All surgeons used the same implant system, compatible with a microelectronic tibial insert with which to receive real-time feedback of femoral contact points and joint kinetics. Intraoperative kinematic data, as reported on-screen by the VERASENSE™ knee application, displayed similar loading patterns consistent with identifiable sagittal plane abnormalities. These abnormalities were classified as: “Balanced Flexion Gap,” “Flexion Instability” and “Tight Flexion Gap.” All abnormalities were addressed with the techniques described herein. Results. Balanced Flexion Gap. Flexion balance was achieved when femoral contact points were within the mid-posterior third (Figure 1) of the tibial insert, symmetrical rollback was seen through ROM, intercompartmental loads were balanced, and central contact points displayed less than 10 mm of excursion across the bearing surface during a posterior drawer test. Flexion Instability. The femoral contact point tracking option dynamically displayed the relative motion of distal femur to the proximal tibia during the posterior drawer test, and through range of motion. Excessive excursion of the femoral contact points across the bearing surface, and femoral contact points translating through the anterior third of the tibial trial, was an indication of laxity in the PCL. Surgical correction requires use of a thicker tibial insert, anterior-constrained insert, or a posterior-stabilized knee design (Figure 2). Tight Flexion Gap. Excessive tension in the PCL was displayed during surgery via femoral contact points and excessive high pressures in the posterior compartment during flexion. When a posterior drawer test was applied no excursion of the femoral tibia contact point was seen. Excessively high loading in the posteromedial compartment was corrected through recession of the PCL using an 19 gauge needle or 11 blade. Additional tibial slope was added when excessive loads were seen in both compartments (Figure 3). Discussion. Flexion gap instability, or excessive PCL tension, is a common error resulting in poor patient outcomes and early revision surgery. The techniques described, utilized intraoperative sensor data to address sagittal plane abnormalities in a quantified manner. By using technology to guide the surgeon through appropriate sagittal plane correction, the subtleties in soft-tissue imbalance or suboptimal bone cuts can be accounted for, which otherwise may be overlooked by traditional methods of subjective surgeon “feel.” Longer clinical follow-up of these patients will be necessary to track the outcomes associated with quantifiable sagittal plane balance

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

Introduction. The functional ante-inclination (AI) of the cup after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a key component in the combined sagittal index (CSI) to predict joint stability after THA. To accurately predict AI, we deducted a mathematic algorithm between the radiographic anteversion (RA), radiographic inclincation (RI), pelvic tilting (PT), and AI. The current study aims (1) to validate the mathematic algorithm; (2) to convert the AI limits in the CSI index (standing AI ≤ 45°, sitting AI ≥ 41°) into coronal functional safe zone (CFSZ) and explore the influences of the stand-to-sit pelvic motion (PM) and pelvic incidence (PI) on CFSZ; (3) to locate a universal cup orientation that always fulfill the AI criteria of CSI safe zone for all patients or subgroups of PM(PM ≤ 10°, 10° < PM ≤ 30°, and PM > 30°) and PI (PI≤ 41°, 41°< PI ≤ 62°, and PI >62°), respectively. Methods. A 3D printed phantom pelvic model was designed to simulate changing PT values. An acetabular cup was implanted with different RA, RI, and PT settings using robot assisted technique. We enrolled 100 consecutive patients who underwent robot assisted THA from April, 2019 to June, 2019 in our hospital. EOS images before THA and at 6-month follow-up were collected. AI angles were measured on the lateral view radiographs as the reference method. Mean absolute error (MAE), Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression were conducted to assess the accuracy of the AI algorithm for both the phantom and patient radiographic studies. The 100 patients were classified into three subgroups by PM and PI, respectively. Linear regression and ANOVA analysis were conducted to explore the relationship between the size of CFSZ, and PM and PI, respectively. Intersection of the CFSZ was conducted to identify if any universal cup orientation (RA, RI) existed for the CSI index. Results. The mathematic algorithm for calculating AI based on RI, RA, and PT is highly accurate according to the phantom and patient radiographic study. CFSZ size corresponds linearly with PM (R² = 0.638) and PI (R² = 0.129), respectively. There are significant differences in the size of CFSZ, as well as in the intersection of CFSZ and LSZ, between the subgroups of PM and PI, respectively (P<0.017). There is no universal cup orientations could be identified to fulfill the AI limits of the CSI index for all the 100 patients or any of the three subgroups, according to either PM or PI. Conclusions. The cup target orientation should be individualized. The validated algorithm between AI and RA, RI, and PT parameters can serve as the quantitative tool for patient-specific optimization of functional cup AI in different postures

The palpation of the controlateral iliac spinae remains a major hurdle to the success of navigation in lateral position. Several studies are seeking for alternative landmarks to compute the anterior pelvic plane (APP). Up to now, none of those methods have been used in clinical routine. Ultrasound navigation offers a great potential to identify new bony landmarks. The tubercles of the lower lumbar spine and the symphysis can easily be imaged. Those points define a sagittal plane, that can be used as a symmetry plane to compute a virtual controlateral spinae from the acquired colateral spinae. A virtual pelvic plane can then be computed. The objective of this study was to check the accuracy and reproducibility of this virtual anterior pelvic plane. 6 hips (3 left, 3 right) from 4 cadavers (mean BMI 22,6; range 19,5–26,7) embalmed with glycerol and alcohol were used for this study. All anatomic landmarks were acquired with the OrthoPilot® Ultrasound navigation system. One experienced surgeon acquired the reference APP with the cadavers lying supine. The cadavers were then placed in lateral position. Two experienced surgeons acquired 6 times following landmarks: 3 lower lumbar tubercles, 3 sacral tubercles (see Figure 1), the posterior spines, the symphysis and the colateral iliac spine. Several sagittal planes were computed using all points (least square plane) and all possible combinations between one symphysis point, one lower lumbar tubercle point (L5, L4 or L3), and one sacral tubercle point (S2 or S1). The angular error of the resulting virtual APP to the reference APP was computed. For each cadaver, an error map was computed to visualize the error of the virtual APP with respect to the height of the used sacral and lumbar tubercles along the spine. The reference APP was acquired with a good reproducibility: the deviation between each acquisition to the mean of all acquisitions was smaller than 1° (except for cadaver 2 right side, the deviation reached 2 ° in the frontal plane). As some sacral and lumbar points were mixed during the acquisition, the line joining the posterior spines was used to separate the sacral from the lumbar points. The mean errors and standard deviations were comparable between operators. The least square plane computed with all points strongly depended on the cadaver positioning : for the same cadaver, the mean error reached 0°on the left side and 8° on the right side. More constant results were obtained by using a combination of 3 points. 5 outliers were identified and removed as they clearly corresponded to erroneous acquisitions on bad quality images. After having removed those outliers, the mean error ranged between 2° and 5° and the standard deviation between 1° and 3°. The best combination of points was a point on the symphysis, the lowest sacral tubercle (S2) and the lowest lumbar tubercle (L5). This study shows that the symphysis, the lower lumbar and sacral tubercles can be used to define a sagittal plane and thereby define a virtual anterior pelvic plane. Outliers should be suppressed by taking special care to the image quality and by adding a guided ultrasound functionality: visualizing the resulting sagittal plane on the ultrasound picture would enable the surgeon to easily control the accuracy of his acquired plane. The next steps consist in checking the feasibility in a clinical set-up