Purpose:. In order to acquire good stability of an arthroplasty hip, the proper placement of the implants, which prevents impingement between the stem neck and the socket, is important. In general, the anteversion of the uncemented femoral stem depends on the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of the proximal femoral canal and the proximal stem geometry. The exact degree of the anteversion will be known just after broaching during the operation. If the stem anteversion could be forecasted, preoperative planning of the socket placement would be relatively easy. Furthermore, when a high degree of anteversion is forecasted, a special femoral stem to reduce it, such as a modular stem, could be prepared. However, we experienced that the preoperatively measured anteversion of the femoral neck using computer tomography (CT) was sometimes different from that of the stem measured during the operation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the preoperative measurement would be helpful to predict the stem anteversion by examining the relationship between the anteversion of the femoral neck and the stem. Patients and methods:. A total of 57 primary THAs by one senior surgeon from April 2011 until March 2012 were carried out. Two THAs using a modular stem and one for the hip after previous proximal femoral osteotomy were excluded. The remaining 54 THAs were examined. The used uncemented stems were designed for proximal metaphyseal fixation. CT scans, including the distal femoral condyles as well as the hips, were carried out in all cases preoperatively. The anteversion of the femoral neck was measured as the angle of the maximum longitudinal line of the cross section of the femoral neck to the line connecting the posterior surfaces of both of the distal femoral condyles (Fig. 1). The femoral neck anteversion was measured at three levels (Fig. 1). The stem anteversion was measured just after the femoral broaching during the THA. The relationship between the anteversion angles of the femoral neck and of the stem was examined by using a regression analysis. The institutional review board approved this study. Results:. The anteversion angles of the femoral neck varied widely when they were measured at all of the levels (Table 1). The anteversion angle of the femoral neck was not always identical to that of the stem. There were 32–46% of cases in which the difference between the stem anteversion and the femoral neck anteversion was within 5 degrees. There was a significant relationship between the anteversion of the stem and that of the femoral neck measured at all three levels (Fig. 2). When it was measured just below the femoral head, it was the closest to one, and the p-value was the lowest. Discusssion and Conclusions:. The anteversion of the uncemented stem could be calculated by using the formula to show the relationship between the stem anteversion and the femoral neck antevesion measured preoperatively. The values appeared to be sufficiently correct for making clinical decisions, although a prospective study may be necessary to confirm this

Introduction. In recent literatures dealing with optimisation of prosthetic alignment in total hip arthroplasty (THA), the concept of combined anteversion (CA), sum of acetabular anteversion (AV) and femoral antetorsion (AT), has been addressed. We have been using an image-free THA navigation system?OrthoPilot THAPro?to achieve improved overall alignment with both stem and cup. In the use of this system, we have used the stem-first procedure so-called CA technique. In this technique, the femur was prepared first with the target angle corresponding to the native femoral AT and the cup AV was decided considering CA calculated with the formula of Widmer (37.3°= cup AV + 0.7 stem AT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CA by using CA technique with image-free navigated THA. Methods. Fifty hips underwent primary THA using OrthoPilot THApro with CA technique. In CA technique, the femur was prepared first and the target angle of AT value was basically determined by for the individual native femoral AT angle. After the femur was prepared, the cup AV was decided based on the formula of Widmer. All included patients underwent postoperative CT examination, and the prosthetic alignment was assessed using the 3D-Template system (Zed Hip, LEXI). Results. In the assessment of accuracy of the navigation systems in 50 consecutive THA's, comparison of intraoperative navigation value and postoperative CT evaluation indicated that the absolute discrepancy of cup AV, and stem AT was 4.5° ± 3.5°and 5.9° ± 4.3° respectively. In the assessment of the cup AV with postoperative CT evaluation, the measured values averaged 20.7° ± 6.2° while AT values averaged 20.9° ± 10.6°. Distribution of AT values showed large SD. By contrast, the average Widmer's CA values (cup AV + 0.7 stem AT) were 35.2° ± 5.7°. In the assessment of overall alignment, the Widmer's CA values were within 37° ± 5° in 40 hips and 37° ± 10° in 46 hips. Conclusion. The present study proposed that the confirming stem AT prior to cup placement could be important to achieve appropriate CA value. CA technique with image-free navigated THA could achieve accurate and consistent control of CA value

Introduction. Femoral stem anteversion after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has always been assessed using CT scan in supine position. In this study, we evaluated the anteversion of the femoral prosthesis neck in functional standing position using EOS® technology with repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements. The data obtained were compared with conventional anatomic measurements. Materials and Methods. We measured the anteversion of the femoral prosthesis neck in 45 consecutive patients who had THA performed in nine hospitals. All measurements were obtained using the EOS® imaging system with patients in comfortable standing position. The orientation of the final vector representing the femoral neck was measured on 3-dimensional reconstructions. The anatomic femoral anteversion was calculated as in a transverse plane relative to the scanner and to the plane of the reconstructed bicondylar femoral segment (femoral prosthesis neck against the femoral condyles). Functional femoral anteversion (FFA) was measured in the horizontal plane relative to the frontal plane of the patient through the center of two femoral heads. FFA embodies true anteversion of the femoral prosthesis neck relative to the pelvis, representing the combined lower extremity anteversion. Results. The average anatomic anteversion was 8.7° (−42.2 to 32.8; SD 15.2). The average functional anteversion was −0.2° (−32.7 to 30.2; SD 14.3). The paired Student t test showed a significant difference between these values (p = 0.036). Discussion. In a significant number of cases, the anatomic orientation of the prosthesis in relation to the posterior bicondylar plane does not correlate with the functional orientation of the frontal plane of the standing patient. Other factors such as tibial, femoral and acetabular anatomic features determine the overall posture of the lower limb and the functional anteversion of the femoral neck prosthesis, highlighting adaptations related to hip-knee relations. EOS® technology can assess patients in functional positions of standing, sitting, squatting or bending forward at the cost of very low exposure to irradiation. These data may be useful in future studies of the orientation of the acetabulum that explore both qualitatively and quantitatively the combined functional anatomy of hip joint and, more precisely, the phenomena of instability and subluxation

Introduction. The correct anteversion of the acetabular cup is critical to achieve optimal outcome after total hip arthroplasty. While number of method has been described to measure the anteversion in plane anteroposterior and lateral radiograph, it is still controversial which method provides best anteversion measurement. While many of the previous studies used CT scan to validate the anteversion measured in plane anteroposterior radiograph, this may cause potential bias as the anteversion measured in CT scan reflects true anteversion while the anteversion measurement methods in plane radiograph are design to measure the planar anteversion. Thus, in the current study, we tried to find the optimal anteversion measurement method free from the previously described bias. Material and method. Custom made cup model was developed which enables change in anteversion and inclination. Simple radiograph was taken with the cup in 10° to 70° degree of inclination at 10° increments and for each inclination angle, anteversion was corrected from 0° to 30° at 5° increments. The radiograph was taken with the beam directed at the center of the cup (mimicking hip centered anteroposterior radiograph) and at 9cm medial to the cup (mimicking pelvis anteroposterior radiograph). The measurements were done by two orthopaedic surgeons using methods described by 1) Pradhan et al, 2) Lewinak et al, 3) Widmer et al, and 4) Liaw et al. For each measurements, the anteversion were compared with the actual anteversion. Result. Interoverver correlation (kappa value) were high in all measurements ranging 0.988 to 0.998. Regardless of how the radiograph was taken, Pradhan method was the most accurate measurement method showing difference of 2.17° ± 1.69° and −2.5° ± 1.93° compare to the actual anteversion respectively for hip centered radiograph and pelvis anteroposterior radiograph. The Widmer method showed the least accuracy (pelvis AP : −6.75° ± 4.62°, hip centered AP : −14.84° ± 4.36°). However, when the anteversion were measured in the safe zone with the inclination in 30° to 50° Liaw's method in hip centered radiograph showed the highest accuracy (1.63° ± 1.4°). Conclusion. The study indicates that the Pradhan's method may provide the most accurate anteversion measurement. However, with the hip in 30° to 50° inclination, Liaw's method measured from hip centred radiograph will provide most accurate anteversion measurement

Introduction. To control anteversion of the acetabular cup and femoral stem within an appropriate angle range is extremely important in total hip arthroplasty. The sum of these angles is called the “combined anteversion” (CA), and a navigation system is necessary for its accurate intraoperative evaluation. However, navigation is too expensive and time-consuming to be commonly used. Therefore, a cheaper and easier tool for intraoperative CA evaluation is desired in the clinical field. I had an idea of marking ruler-like scales on a trial femoral head ball for this purpose. The purpose of this study was to introduce the idea in a computer simulation. Materials and Methods. An acetabular cup, a femoral head, and a femoral stem were designed virtually using three- dimensional computer graphics software (FreeCAD). The head was assembled with the femoral stem, and the axis of the stem was tilted 7 degrees to the vertical axis, referring the angle between mechanical and anatomical axes of the femur. Ruler-like scales and a horizontal line were marked on the surface of the head. The cup inclination angle was fixed at 40 degrees and paired with the head and stem assembly. The cup axis was on the stem–neck plane, which meant that CA was zero before rotating the cup and the stem. The scale at an intersecting point of the inner edge of the cup and the horizontal line was read before and after rotating the cup and the stem. I confirmed if the sum of the rotated angles of the cup and stem and the angle indicated by the scales were consistent when they were rotated at an arbitrary angle. Results. CA was successfully evaluated by the difference in angle indicated by the scales before and after rotation. Discussion. There are several definitions for cup and stem anteversion. The CA evaluated in this study was the sum of anatomical anteversion of the cup and the angle between the neck axis and epicondylar or posterior-condylar axes of the knee projected on the horizontal plane. There are several factors that make the CA evaluation by this method inaccurate. For example, when the cup inclination angle is not 40 degrees, or the pelvis or the femur are not held at the intended position, the CA indicated by the scales is not accurate. It is my future work to assess whether this method is accurate enough to be used in the clinical situation. Conclusion. Marking ruler-like scales on the femoral head would be a low-cost and effective method for rough intraoperative evaluation of CA

INTRODUCTION. In total hip arthroplasty, preoperative planning is almost indispensable. Moreover, 3-dimensional preoperative planning became popular recently. Anteversion management is one of the most important factors in preoperative planning to prevent dislocation and to obtain better function. In arthritic hip patients osteophytes are often seen on both femoral head and acetabulum. Especially on femoral head, osteophytes are often seen at posterior side and its surface creates smooth round contour that assumes new joint surface. (Fig. 1). We can imagine new femoral head center tracing that new joint surface. OBJECTIVES. In the present study, the posterior osteophytes are compared in osteoarthritic patients and other patients. MATERIALS & METHODS. Anteversion and new anteversion which was reduced by osteophyte formation were assessed in 28 hip CAT scans, (22 arthritic hips, 6 avascular necrotic hips). RESULTS. Only in arthritic patients, osteophytes on posterior side were observed. The anteversion was 33.7+/− 13.0 degree in arthritic patients, which was reduce to 29.7+/−13.1 degree. The mean difference was 4.0+/−4.7 degree reduction. In AVN patients the mean anteversion was 21.4 +/− 9.40 in AVN patients. No reduction was observed in AVN patients. DISCUSSION. Osteophytes are often created to make the biomechanical situation better. This phenomenon is possiblly explained that those posterior osteophytes have been formed for proper reduction of excessive anteversion

Introduction. Traditional methods of component positioning in total hip replacement (THR) utilize mechanical alignment guides which estimate position relative to the plane of the operating room table. However, variations in pelvic tilt alter the relationship between the anatomic plane of the pelvis and that of the table such that components placed in optimal position relative the table may not land within the classic anatomic “safe zone” described by Lewinnek. It has been suggested that navigation software should incorporate adjustments for the degree of pelvic tilt. Current imageless navigation software has this capability, however there is a paucity of data regarding the accuracy of this technology. Purpose. We aimed to assess the accuracy of intra-operative pelvic tilt adjusted anteversion measurements as compared to unadjusted measurements. Methods. 6-week post-operative Anteroposterior Pelvis radiographs from 27 consecutive primary THR were measured utilizing Ein-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse (EBRA-Cup®) hip analysis software (Figure 1) and a cross-table lateral radiograph (Figure 2). Inclination and anteversion values were recorded and direction of version was confirmed by assessment of cross-table lateral images. Values were compared with intra-operative measurements obtained via BrainLab® imageless navigation. Pelvic tilt adjusted and unadjusted anteversion measurements were recorded. Mean measurement error and standard error of the mean were determined and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results. Navigated component inclination correlated with EBRA-Cup® derived inclination measurements (r = 0.4308, p = 0.02) with a mean error of 3.8°. Similarly, pelvic tilt adjusted anteversion correlated with EBRA-Cup® derived measurements (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). The mean difference between anteversion measurements was 3.58° and the standard error of the mean was 0.58°. 24 of 27 patients had <6° of difference between the two measurements. Post-operative component position correlated more closely with pelvic tilt adjusted anteversion than with unadjusted values (r = 0.3, p = 0.12). As expected, this was most pronounced in patients with greater than 10 degrees of pelvic tilt (mean error of 11.2° vs. 4.5°). Conclusions. Imageless navigation based anteversion measurements are more accurate when adjusted for pelvic tilt

Introduction. The posterior condylar axis of the distal femur is the common reference used to describe femoral anteversion. In the context of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), this reference can be used to define the native femoral anteversion, as well as the anteversion of the stem. However, these measurements are fixed to a femoral reference. The authors propose that the functional position of the proximal femur must be considered, as well as the functional relationship between stem and cup (combined anteversion) when considering the clinical implications of stem anteversion. This study investigates the post-operative differences between anatomically-referenced and functionally-referenced stem and combined anteversion in the supine and standing positions. Method. 18 patients undergoing pre-operative analysis with the Trinity OPS® planning (Optimized Ortho, Sydney Australia, a division of Corin, UK) were recruited for post-operative assessment. Anatomic and functional stem anteversion in both the supine and standing positions were determined. The anatomic anteversion was measured from CT and referenced to the posterior condyles. The supine functional anteversion was measured from CT and referenced to the coronal plane. The standing functional anteversion was measured to the coronal plane when standing by performing a 3D/2D registration of the implants to a weight-bearing AP X-ray. Further, functional acetabular anteversion was captured to determine combined functional anteversion in the supine and standing positions. Results. The average anatomical stem anteversion was 9.9° (6.7° to 13.0°). In all cases, the anatomical stem anteversion was different than the measured functional stem anteversion in both the supine and standing positions. The functional femoral anteversion decreased from supine to stand by an average of 7.1° (4.9°−9.2°), suggesting more internal rotation of the femurs when weight-bearing. In all patients, the pelvis rotated posteriorly in the sagittal plane from supine to standing, increasing the functional acetabular anteversion by a mean of 5.1°. Conclusions. Anatomic stem anteversion differs significantly from functional stem anteversion in both the supine and standing positions, as a consequence of the patient specific differences in internal/external rotation of the femur in the functional postures. In the same way that the Anterior Pelvic Plane is now widely recognized as an inappropriate reference for cup orientation due to variation in sagittal pelvic tilt, referencing the femoral stem anteversion to the native anatomy (distal femur) maybe also be misleading and not provide a suitable description of the functional anteversion of the stem. This has implications for determining optimal combined alignment in THA

Introduction. Optimal implant position is critical to hip stability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent literature points out the importance of the evaluation of pelvic position to optimize cup implantation. The concept of Functional Combined Anteversion (FCA), the sum of acetabular/cup anteversion and femoral/stem neck anteversion in the horizontal plane, can be used to plan and control the setting of a THA in standing position. The main purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the difference between the combined anteversion before and after THA in weight-bearing standing position using EOS 3D reconstructions. A simultaneous analysis of the preoperative lumbo pelvic parameters has been performed to investigate their potential influence on the post-operative reciprocal femoro-acetabular adaptation. Material and Methods. 66 patients were enrolled (unilateral primary THAs). The same mini-invasive anterolateral approach was performed in a lateral decubitus for all cases. None of the patients had any postoperative complications. For each case, EOS full-body radiographs were performed in a standing position before and after unilateral THA. A software prototype was used to assess pelvic parameters (sacral slope, pelvic version, pelvic incidence), acetabular / cup anteversion, femoral /stem neck anteversion and combined anteversion in the patient horizontal functional plane (the frontal reference was defined as the vertical plane passing through centers of the acetabula or cups). Sub-analysis was made, grouping the sample by pelvic incidence (<55°, 55°–65°, >65°) and by pre-operative sacral slope in standing position (<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. In the full sample, mean FCA increased postoperatively by 9,3° (39,5° vs 30,2°; p<0.05). In groups with sacral slope < 35° and sacral slope > 45°, postoperative combined anteversion increased significantly by 11,7° and 12,9°, respectively. In the group with pelvic incidence > 65°, postoperative combined anteversion increased significantly by 14,4°. There was no significant change of combined anteversion in the remaining subgroups. Discussion. In this series the FCA increased after THA, particularly in patients with a low or high sacral slope on the pre-operative evaluation in standing position. This may be related to a greater difficulty for the surgeon in anticipating the postoperative standing orientation of the pelvis in these patients, as they were standardly oriented during surgery (lateral decubitus). Interestingly the combined anteversion was also increased in patients with a high pelvic incidence that is commonly associated with a high sacral slope. Conclusion. Post-operative increase of anatomical cumulative anteversion has been previously reported using anterior approach. The FCA concept based on EOS 3D reconstructions brings new informations about the reciprocal femoro-acetabular adaptation in standing position. Differences found in combined anteversion before and after the surgery show that a special interest should be given to patients with high pelvic incidence and low or high sacral slope, to optimize THA orientation in standing position

Introduction. Implant position plays a major role in the mechanical stability of a total hip replacement. The standard modality for assessing hip component position postoperatively is a 2D anteroposterior radiograph, due to low radiation dose and low cost. Recently, the EOS® X-Ray Imaging Acquisition System has been developed as a new low-dose radiation system for measuring hip component position. EOS imaging can calculate 3D patient information from simultaneous frontal and lateral 2D radiographs of a standing patient without stitching or vertical distortion, and has been shown to be more reliable than conventional radiographs for measuring hip angles[1]. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare EOS imaging to computer tomography (CT) scans, which are the gold standard, to assess the reproducibility of hip angles. Materials and Methods. Twenty patients undergoing unilateral THA consented to this IRB-approved analysis of post-operative THA cup alignment. Standing EOS imaging and supine CT scans were taken of the same patients 6 weeks post-operatively. Postoperative cup alignment and femoral anteversion were measured from EOS radiographs using sterEOS® software. CT images of the pelvis and femur were segmented using MIMICS software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium), and component position was measured using Geomagic Studio (Morrisville, NC, USA) and PTC Creo Parametric (Needham, MA). The Anterior Pelvic Plane (APP), which is defined by the two anterior superior iliac spines and the pubic symphysis, was used as an anatomic reference for acetabular inclination and anteversion. The most posterior part of the femoral condyles was used as an anatomic reference for femoral anteversion. Two blinded observers measured hip angles using sterEOS® software. Reproducibility was analysed by the Bland-Altman method, and interobserver reliability was calculated using the Cronbach's alpha (∝) coefficient of reliability. Results. The Bland-Altman analysis of test-retest reliability indicated that the 95% limits of agreement between the EOS and CT measurements ranged from −3° to 4° for acetabular inclination, from −5° to 5° for acetabular anteversion, and from −7° to 2° for femoral anteversion. The average difference between EOS measurements and CT measurements was 2° ± 2° for acetabular inclination, 3°± 2° degrees for acetabular anteversion and 4° ± 4° femoral anteversion. Interobserver agreement was good for acetabular inclination (Cronbach's α = 0.55), acetabular anteversion (Cronbach's α = 0.76) and femoral components (Cronbach's α = 0.98) using EOS imaging. Conclusions. EOS imaging can accurately and reliably measure hip component position, while exposing patients to a much lower dose of radiation than a CT scan

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to inspect balance of the pelvis in the acetabular operation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using direct anterior approach (DAA), and it is to examine precision of the acetabular socket setting. Materials and Methods. We performed THA using DAA to 104 patients (114 hips) joints from August 2006 to April 2009 and identified for seventy five patients (eighty four hips) that imaging of the postoperative CT was possible. The orientation of acetabular sockets were performed using an alignment guide which assumed an operating table an axis from August 2006 to September 2008 (A group), and using an alignment guide which assumed a pelvis an axis from October 2008 to May 2009(B group). A group were thirty eight patients (forty four hips), and B group were twenty eight (thirty). There were two men and thirty six women in A group, and one man and twenty seven women in B group. The average age of both groups was 66 years old. The objective angle of the acetabular socket was performed as angle guide of abduction of 45° and anteversion of 20°. The orientation of the acetabular socket converted the angle of postoperative CT into radiographic angle, and measured it. For sixteen hips in B group, both angle guide was used, and there were measured a difference of two angle guide in the acetabular operation as movement of the pelvis. The examination item assumed it the mean values of angle for the acetabular socket in both groups, precision to set up the acetabular socket to planned orientation within ±5 °and a mean difference of two angle guides of sixteen hips in B group. Results. The mean values of abduction for the acetabular socket were 45 °in A group and 43.8 °in B group, and that of anteversion for the acetabular socket were 22.5 °in A group and were 20.9 °in B group. In A group, the precision to set up the acetabular socket to abduction 45±5 °was 91.8%, and that to anteversion 20±5 ° was 71%. Hips that anteversion of the acetabular socket was more than 25° were 13/44 joints. In B group, the precision to set up the acetabular socket to abduction of 45±5 °was 97%, and that to anteversion of 20±5°was 97.5%. The difference of two alignment guide for sixteen hips in B group were mean 5°(0～9°), and anteversion of pelvis decreased. Disccussion. THA using DAA causes a pelvic anteversion during the acetabular preparation and as a result, anteversion of postoperative acetabular sockets increase. It suggests that even if DAA is supine position, the movement of the pelvis occurs. Conclusion. The precision to set up the acetabular socket which we used alignment guide make the pelvis the axis was higher than that used alignment guide make the operating table the axis. In the acetabular preparation using DAA, anteversion of the pelvis occurred mean 5°

Introduction. The midcortical line, the midline between the anterior and the posterior cortical walls has been reported as an intraoperative reference guide for reproducing the true femoral anteversion in cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) image study but we suspected that the version of the midcortical line on the cutting surface is different from that on the axial image. The three-dimensional (3D) CT-based preoperative planning software for THA enabled us to evaluate the cut surface of the femoral neck osteotomy. When we planned the straight non-anatomic stem placement in 20° of anteversion, we noticed that the line connecting the trochanteric fossa and the middle of the medial cortex of the femoral neck (T line) was coincident with the component torsion in almost all cases except those involving secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. Therefore we hypothesised that the T-line would provide an accurate reference guide for anteversion of the femoral component in THA. We performed this study to answer the question: which is the better intraoperative reference guide for reproducing the true femoral anteversion, the midcortical line or the T line?. Materials and methods. The institutional review board allowed a retrospective review of CT images of 33 normal femora (33 patients) in our CT database. We performed virtual THA using the non-anatomic straight stem on the 3D CT-based preoperative planning software at the two different cutting heights of 10mm or 15mm above the lesser trochanter. The anteversion of the stem implanted parallel to the T line or the midcortical line was measured. The true femoral neck anteversion was measured using the single CT slice method reported by Sugano. Results. The mean true femoral anteversion was 16.9°±10.7°. We found strong positive correlations between the anteversion of the stem and the true femoral anteversion using the T-line at each cutting height (r=0.85 and r=0.92 in 10mm and 15mm cutting height respectively). The mean differences between the anteversion of the stem parallel to the T line and the true femoral anteversion were 3.5° (95% confidence interval; 1.38°–5.59°) and 2.7° (95% confidence interval; 1.15°–4.15°) in 10mm and 15mm cutting height respectively. The mean anteversion of the stem parallel to the midcortical line on the cut surface were −2.0° and −1.9° in 10mm and 15mm cutting height respectively and we could not implant the stem in some cases. Discussion. Theoretically, the anteversion of the stem using the T line is close to the true femoral anteversion because the trochanteric fossa is in line with the femoral canal, and the center of the medial cortex of the cutting surface faces the center of the femoral head, if the cutting height is not too low. Conclusion. The T line was a useful intraoperative reference guide for reproducing the true femoral anteversion and the midcortical line on the cut surface of the femoral neck was not a good intraoperative reference guide

Combined acetabular and femoral anteversion (CA) of the hip following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is critical to the hip function and longevity of the components. However, no study has been reported on the accuracy in restoration of CA of the hip after operation using robotic assistance and conventional free-hand techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if using robotic assistance in THA can better restore native CA than a free-hand technique. Twenty three unilateral THA patients participated in this study. Twelve of them underwent a robotic-arm assisted THA (RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, Stryker Mako., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA) and eleven received a free-hand THA. Subject specific 3D models of both implanted and non-implanted hips were reconstructed using post-operative CT scans. The anteversion and inclination of the native acetabulum and implanted cup were measured and compared. To determine the differences of the femoral anteversion between sides, the non-implanted native femur was mirrored and aligned with the remaining femur of the implanted side using an iterative closest point algorithm. The angle between the native femoral neck axis and the prosthesis neck axis in transverse plane was measured as the change in femoral anteversion following THA. The sum of the changes of the acetabular and femoral anteversion was defined as the change of CA after THA. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to test if the anteversion of the navigation and free-hand THAs were different from the contralateral native hips (α = 0.05). The acetabular anteversion were 22.0°±7.4°, 35.9°±6.5° and 32.6°±22.6° for the native hips, robotic assisted THAs and free-hand THAs, respectively, and the corresponding values of the acetabular inclinations were 52.0°±2.9°, 35.4°±4.4° and 43.1°±7.1°. The acetabular anteversion was increased by 12.2°±11.1° (p=0.005) and 12.5°±20.0° (p=0.102) for the robotic assisted and the free-hand THAs. The femoral anteversion was increased by 6.3°±10.5° (p=0.077) and 11.0°±13.4° (p=0.014) for the robotic assisted and free-hand THAs, respectively. The CA were significantly increased by 18.5°±11.7° (p<0.001) and 23.5°±26.5° (p=0.019) for the robotic assisted and the free-hand THAs. The changes of the CA of the free-hand THAs varied in a larger range than those of the robotic assisted THAs. This study is the first to evaluate the changes in acetabular and femoral anteversions of the hips after robotic assisted and free-hand THAs using the contralateral native hip as a control. The results demonstrate that both the navigation and free-hand THAs significantly increased the CA compared to the contralateral native hips, but the changes of the robotic assisted THAs (18.5°±11.7°) were smaller and varied less than those of the free-hand THAs (23.5°±26.5°). These data suggest that the robotic assisted THA can better restore the native hip CAs with higher repeatability than the free-hand technique. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of the hip anteversion changes on the in-vivo function of the hip and the long-term outcomes in THA patients

Introduction. Navigation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has the goal to improve accuracy of cup orientation. Measurement of cup orientation on conventional pelvic radiographs is susceptible to error due to pelvic malpositioning during acquisition. A recently developed and validated software using a postoperative radiograph in combination with statistical shape modelling allows calculation of exact 3-dimensional cup orientation independent of pelvic malpositioning. Objectives. We asked (1) what is the accuracy of computer-navigated cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) and (2) what is the percentage of outliers (>10° difference to aimed inclination and anteversion) using postoperative measurement of 3-dimensional cup orientation. Methods. We performed a retrospective comparative study including a single surgeon series with 114 THAs (109 patients). Surgery was performed through the anterolateral approach with the patient in supine position. An image-free navigation system (PiGalileo, Smith & Nephew) with a passive digital reference base for the pelvic wing and one for the distal femur was used. The anterior pelvic plane (APP) was registered manually using a pointer and used as anatomical reference. After implantation of the press-fit cup (EP-Fit plus, Smith & Nephew) the final cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) was registered with the navigation system. Postoperative orientation was calculated using validated software to calculate 3-dimensional cup orientation. The postoperative anteroposterior pelvic radiograph in combination with a statistical model of the pelvis allowed calculation of inclination and anteversion referenced to the APP. The software was previously validated using CT measurements and revealed a mean accuracy of 0.4° for inclination 0.6° for anteversion with a maximum error of 3.3° and 3.6°, respectively. The mean postoperative inclination in the current series was 46° ± 4° (range, 35° – 60°) and the mean anteversion was 23° ± 6° (range, 11° – 37°). Accuracy was calculated as the absolute difference of the intraoperative registered cup orientation and the postoperative calculated orientation. An outlier was defined if cup orientation was outside a range of ±10° of inclination and/or anteversion. Results. (1) The mean accuracy for inclination was 3 ± 3° (0 – 17°) and 6 ± 5° (0 – 22°) for anteversion. (2) Three out of 114 cups (3%) were outliers for inclination. An increased percentage of outliers was found for anteversion with 23 out of 114 cups (20%; p<0.001). In total, 25 cups (22%) were outliers (See Figure 1). Conclusions. Previous studies evaluating accuracy of cup orientation were limited in numbers of hips due to the use of CT or used measurements on conventional postoperative radiographs which are prone to error due to pelvic malpositioning. Novel and validated software allows accurate and anatomically referenced measurement of postoperative cup orientation. This study is the single largest case series with 3-dimensional measurement of cup orientation for validation of navigated THA. Computer-assisted image-free navigation of cup orientation showed a high accuracy of cup orientation with 78% within a narrow range of ±10° of inclination and anteversion. Accuracy of cup inclination was increased compared to cup anteversion. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).

Introduction. To obtain a better range of motion and to reduce the risk of dislocation, neck and cup anteversion are considered very important. Especially for the reduction of the risk of dislocation, the mutual alignment between neck and cup anteversion (combined anteversion) is often discussed. A surgeon would compare the neck direction to the calf direction with the knee in 90 degrees flexion. When an excessive anteversion was observed, the neck anteversion would be reduced using modular neck system or setting the stem a little twisted inside the canal with the tradeoff of the stem stability. Another choice would be the adjustment of cup alignment. Combined anteversion is defined the summation of cup anteversion in axial plane and stem anteversion in axial plane. But in realty the impingement occurs with 3 dimensional relationships between neck and cup with very complicated geometries. In that meaning, the definition of the angles could be said ambiguous too. The bowing of the femur also makes the relationships more complicated. Upon those backgrounds, we have been performing 3D preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty on every case. In the present study, in vivo position of the stem in each case was determined then the anteversion observed on surgical view and anteversion around femoral mechanical axis are compared using 3D CAD software. Materials and Methods. Ten recent cases from our hip arthroplasty with 3D preoperative planning were reviewed for this purpose. The bone geometries were obtained from CAT scans with very low X-ray dose using Mimics® (Materialize, Belgium). Preoperative planning for Revelation stem® (DJO, USA) was performed using Mimics® (Materialize, Belgium). Femoral mechanical axis was defined as a line between center of femoral head and the middle point of medial and lateral epicondyle of the femur. Then mechanical anteversion is assessed from posterior condylar line. On the other hand, the calf was rotated 90 degrees around epiconlylar axis of each femur, and in vivo stem position was estimated then, stem axis was aligned perpendicular to the view. The anteversion in the surgical view was assessed from that view as the angle toward the calf. (Fig. 1) Using in vivo stem alignment, the impingement angle was also assessed. Results. Anteversion was in average 10 degree overestimated in the surgical view. Only one case was considered to have impingement risk and reduction of the anteversion was performed using custom stem. Discussion. In real surgical view, the anteversions are often observed to be more. In the present study instability of the knee was not considered. If the surgeon has performed inappropriate modification of the stem and cup anteversion, it can increase the risk of the dislocation and worse mechanical conditions. The in vivo prosthesis alignment should not be discussed with the angles from surgical view, but should be well planed 3 dimensionally preoperatively

Introduction. Proper femoral stem and acetabular implant orientation is critical to the initial and long-term success of THA. Post-operative determination of cup and stem anteversion is important in cases of hip instability and planning isolated component revisions. At ISTA 2010 Dubai, we introduced a novel, simple stem modification that can be added to any stem design to help assess stem, and possibly cup anteversion with plain post-operative radiographs throughout the lifespan of the implant. [Figure 1] As the stem is rotated, the visible hole pattern changes. [Figure 2] This study was performed to further validate the accuracy and potential usefulness of this design. Methods. We prospectively reviewed 100 consecutive THA cases using the stem reference hole modification on rectangular tapered Zweymuller-type stems implanted from September 2010 to May 2012. Post-operative hip/femur CT scans were obtained to determine the true cup and stem orientation to validate and quanitify the precision of the reference holes. Intra-operative estimates of stem anteversion and combined anteversion (Ranawat Sign) were recorded. Post-operative radiograph measurement of stem anteversion (AP hip x-ray with leg in neutral rotation) was obtained and compared to the CT scan measurement referencing stem rotation relative to the knee epicondylar axis. [Figure 3] In addition, we compared the modified reference hole anteversion assessment to a control group of original unmodified stems assessed using the same methods. Results. All 100 patients had post-operative CT scans and ‘neutral’ rotation AP hip radiographs. The modified reference hole design was accurate to within 4.1 degrees compared to CT measurements. Estimates of stem anteversion in the control group (original Alloclassic or SL-Plus stems) was accurate to only 19.6 degrees with wide variablity as expected. The difference was statistically significant. Residual hip flexion contracture (2 patients) made the reference holes undetectable on radiographs. Morbid obesity did not decrease accuracy but required x-ray beam intensity modification. There was no statistical difference between standing and supine x-ray ‘neutral’ rotation radiograph measurements. The Ranawat combined stem and cup anteversion value could not predict cup anteversion reliably when subtracting the stem rotation. Two patients sustained post-operative THA dislocations that required closed reduction (occuring 2 months and 15 months after index THA). Conclusion. We conclude that hip stems with this pattern of modified anteversion reference holes provides an accurate and reliable method of determining stem component orientation post-operatively by using only simple plain radiographs. Initial finite element analysis of the modified stem hole pattern predicted that the fatigue strength was actually higher than that of the original unmodified implants indicating it is safe in the square taper design. The clinical usefulness became apparent when two hips in this series suffered dislocations. Review of the ‘neutral’ rotation xrays indicated the stem was placed in the ‘safe zone’ from 15–25 degrees and the hips would not likely need stem implant revision. We will continue to test this technology and improve the measuring techniques to accurately predict implant position post-operatively

Introduction. Accurate implantation is important for total hip arthroplasty to achieve a maximized, stable range of motion and to reduce the risk of dislocation. We had estimated total cup and stem anteversion(AV) visually during operations without navigation system. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between total AV estimated visually during operation and total AV evaluated with CT and X-ray postoperatively. Materials & Methods. We investigated 145 primary total hip arthroplasties performed with direct anterior approach in supine position. 17 hips were in men and 128 in women. The mean age at operation was 65.6 years. During operations “intraoperative total AV” was defined as an angle from neutral hip position to internal rotated position at a concentric circle of acetabular rim and the equator of femoral head. We also measured cup inclination with X-ray and cup anteversion and stem anteversion with computed tomography after THA. “Radiographic total AV” was defined as the sum of cup and stem anteversion measured with CT. Correlation between “intraoperative total AV” and “Radiographic total AV” was evaluated statistically. Results. The mean “intraoperative total AV” was 24.2±5.6 degree. The mean cup inclination was 44.8 ±5.4 degree. The mean cup and stem anteversion was 25.0 ±7.4 and 17.8 ±11.0 degree respectively. The mean “radiographic total AV” was 42.8 ±12.8 degree. “Intraoperative total AV” was correlated to stem anteversion and “radiographic total AV” statistically. Discussions and Conclusions. “Intraoperative total AV” was correlated to “radiographic total AV”. Therefore, this method was useful to achieve an accurate implantation in THA

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

Introduction:. The lateral radiographs are useful in evaluation of the acetabular cup anteversion. However, this method was affected by variations in pelvic position and radiographic technique. In this study, we employed the ischial axis (IA) as an anatomical landmark on the lateral radiographs, and we investigated a relationship between IA and the anterior pelvic plane (APP) using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Using these findings, we report a new method for accurate measurement of the acetabular cup anteversion on plain lateral radiographs using IA as an anatomical reference. Materials and Methods:. At first, preoperative3D-CT images were obtained in 109 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in all patients. The angle between the IA (defined by a line connecting the anterior edge of the greater sciatic notch and the lesser sciatic notch) and APP (defined by the bilateral anterosuperior iliac spine and the symphysis) was measured on 3D-CT (Fig. 1). Secondly, postoperative lateral radiographs were obtained at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks after surgery in 15 patients. The angle between a line tangential to the opening of the cup and a line perpendicular to APP was measured (Fig. 2). Three methods of acetebular cup position assessment were compared: 1) the present method, 2) Woo and Morrey method, and 3) software (2D template, Kyocera) method. Results:. The mean angle between IA and APP was 18.0 ± 3.5°. The mean acetabular cup anteversion measured using present method was 21.3°, Woo and Morrey method was 26.6°, and software method was 21.2°. The mean SDs of present method was 0.64°, Woo and Morrey method was 1.17°, and software method was 0.46°. Conclusions:. APP, considered as vertical in weight bearing, has a relatively consistent relationship between IA. The findings of this study provide a more consistent measurement of acetabular cup by reducing variation due to pelvic position

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