Aims. Leg length inequality following total hip replacement remains common. In an effort to reduce this occurrence, surgeons undertake pre-operative templating and use various forms of intra-operative measurements, including computer navigation. This study aims to delineate which measurement technique is most appropriate for measuring leg length inequality from a pelvic radiograph. Method. Three observers took a total of 9600 measurements from 100 pelvic radiographs. Four lines were constructed on each of the radiographs, bisecting the acetabular teardrops (Methods 1/2), ishial spines (Method 3/4), inferior sacroiliac joint (Method 5/6) and inferior obturator foramen (Method 7/8). Measurements were taken from these lines to the midpoint on the LT and to the tip of the GT. The effect of pelvic positioning was also assessed using radiographs of a synthetic pelvis and femur using the same eight methods by a single observer (ED). Intra-observer variability was analysed using within subject standard deviation. Inter-observer variability was analysed using the coefficient of inter-observer variability (CIV). Results. When considering the 100 pelvic radiographs measurement methods 3 (SD 3.5, CIV 0.34) and 8 (SD 3.3 CIV 0.33) showed the best inter and intra observer variability. Methods 4 and 6 performed badly for inter and intra observer variability (SD 3.8 CIV 0.4 and SD 4.6 CIV 0.4). Methods 1, 2, 5 and 7 performed well in one aspect but poorly in the other. When considering the effect of pelvic positioning using radiographs of the synthetic pelvis and femur construct, methods 3 and 7 performed best (SD 6.7 and SD 7.4). Discussion. Measuring from the ischial tuberosities to the LT has the best intra- and interobserver variability. It also performs well despite pelvic malposition. As techniques improve in the measurement of intra-operative leg length, a more accurate measurement of leg length is needed to validate these technologies by

Human error is usually evaluated using statistical descriptions during radiographic annotation. The technological advances popularized the “non-human” landmarking techniques, such as deep learning, in which the error is presented in a confidence format that is not comparable to that of the human method. The region-based landmark definition makes an arbitrary “ground truth” point impossible. The differences in patients’ anatomies, radiograph qualities, and scales make the horizontal comparison difficult. There is a demand to quantify the manual landmarking error in a probability format. Taking the measurement of pelvic tilt (PT) as an example, this study recruited 115 sagittal pelvic radiographs for the measurement of two PTs. We proposed a method to unify the scale of images that allows horizontal comparisons of landmarks and calculated the maximum possible error using a density vector. Traditional descriptive statistics were also applied. All measurements showed excellent reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.9). Eighty-four measurements (6.09%) were qualified as wrong landmarks that failed to label the correct locations. Directional bias (systematic error) was identified due to cognitive differences between observers. By removing wrong labels and rotated pelves, the analysis quantified the error density as a “good doctor” performance and found 6.77°-11.76° maximum PT disagreement with 95% data points. The landmarks with excellent reliability still have a chance (at least 6.09% in our case) of making wrong landmark decisions. Identifying skeletal contours is at least 24.64% more accurate than estimating landmark locations. The landmark at a clear skeletal contour is more likely to generate systematic errors. Due to landmark ambiguity, a very careful surgeon measuring PT could make a maximum 11.76° random difference in 95% of cases, serving as a “good doctor benchmark” to qualify good landmarking techniques

Accurate measurement of pelvic tilt (PT) is critical in diagnosing hip and spine pathologies. Yet a sagittal pelvic radiograph with good quality is not always available. Studies explored the correlation between PT and sacro-femoral-pubic (SFP) angle from anteroposterior (AP) radiographs yet demonstrated conflicting conclusions about its feasibilities. This study aims to perform a cohort-controlled meta-analysis to examine the correlation between the SFP angle and PT and proposes an application range of the method. This study searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies that evaluated the correlation between SFP angle and PT. The Pearson's correlation coefficient r from studies were tabulated and compared. Pooled r for overall and gender/age (teenage or adult) controlled subgroup were reported using Fisher's Z transformation. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Egger's regression test for the funnel plot asymmetry. Eleven studies were recruited, with nine reported r (totalling 1,247 patients). The overall pooled r was 0.61 with high inter-study heterogeneity (I2 = 75.95%). Subgroup analysis showed that the adult group had a higher r than the teenage group (0.70 versus 0.56, p < 0.001). Although statistically insignificant (p = 0.062), the female group showed a higher r than the male group (0.72 versus 0.65). The SFP method must be used with caution and should not be used in the male teenage group. The current studies did not demonstrate that the SFP method was superior to other AP landmarks correlating to PT. Identical heterogeneity was observed among studies, indicating that more ethnicity-segregated and gender-specific subgroup studies might be necessary. More data input analysing the errors will be useful

Pelvic tilt (PT) is always described as the pelvic orientation along the transverse axis, yet four PT definitions were established based on different radiographic landmarks: anterior pelvic plane (PT. a. ), the centres of femoral heads and sacral plate (PT. m. ), pelvic outlet (PT. h. ), and sacral slope (SS). These landmarks quantify a similar concept, yet understanding of their relationships is lacking. Some studies referred to the words “pelvic tilt” for horizontal comparisons, but their PT definitions might differ. There is a demand for understanding their correlations and differences for education and research purposes. This study recruited 105 sagittal pelvic radiographs (68 males and 37 females) from a single clinic awaiting their hip surgeries. Hip hardware and spine pathologies were examined for sub-group analysis. Two observers annotated four PTs in a gender-dependent manner and repeated it after six months. The linear regression model and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied with a 95% significance interval. The SS showed significant gender differences and the lowest correlations to the other parameters in the male group (-0.3< r <0.2). The correlations of SS in scoliosis (n = 7) and hip implant (female, n = 18) groups were statistically different, yet the sample sizes were too small. PT. m. demonstrated very strong correlation to PT. h. (r > 0.9) under the linear model PT. m. = 0.951 × PT. h. - 68.284. The PT. m. and PT. h. are interchangeable under a simple linear regression model, which enables study comparisons between them. In the male group, SS is more of a personalised spinal landmark independent of the pelvic anatomy. Female patients with hip implant may have more static spinopelvic relationships following a certain pattern, yet a deeper study using a larger dataset is required. The understanding of different PTs improves anatomical education

Background. It is technically challenging to restore hip rotation center exactly in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) due to the complicated acetabular morphology changes. In this study, we developed a new method to restore hip rotation center exactly and rapidly in THA with the assistance of three dimensional (3-D) printing technology. Methods. Seventeen patients (21 hips) with end-stage osteoarthritis secondary to DDH who underwent THA were included in this study. Simulated operations were performed on 3-D printed hip models for preoperative planning. The Harris fossa and acetabular notches were recognized and restored to locate acetabular center. The agreement on the size of acetabular cup and bone defect between simulated operations and actual operations were analyzed. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded and evaluated. Results. The sizes of the acetabular cup of simulated operations on 3-D printing models showed a high rate of coincidence with the actual sizes in the operations(ICC value=0.930) There was no significant difference statistically between the sizes of bone defect in simulated operations and the actual sizes of bone defect in THA(t value=0.03 P value=0.97). The average Harris score of the patients was improved from (38.33±6.07) preoperatively to the last follow-up (88.61±3.44) postoperatively. The mean vertical and horizontal distances of hip rotation center on the pelvic radiographs were restored to (15.12 ± 1.25 mm and (32.49±2.83) mm respectively. No case presented dislocation or radiological signs of loosening until last follow-up. Conclusions. The application of 3-D printing technology facilitates orthopedists to recognize the morphology of Harris fossa and acetabular notches, locate the acetabular center and restore the hip rotation center rapidly and accurately

Introduction. Accurate and reproducible cup positioning is one the most important technical factors that affects outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although Lewinnek's safe zone is the most accepted range for anteversion and abduction angles socket orientation, the effect of fixed lumbosacral spine on pelvic tilt and obliquity is not yet established. Questions:. What is the change in anteversion and abduction angle from standing to sitting in a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing THA?. What is the effect of fixed and flexible spinal deformities on acetabular cup orientation after THA?. Material and Methods. Between July 2011 and October 2011, 68 consecutive unilateral THAs were implanted in 68 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 6 years old. Radiographic evaluation included standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral pelvic radiographs, and sitting lateral pelvic radiograph, measuring lumbosacral angle (LSA), sacral angle (SA), and sagittal pelvic tilt angle (SPTA). Computer generated 3D pelvis models were used to analyze the correlation between different pelvic tilts and acetabular cup orientation in abduction and anteversion. Results. The mean standing STPA was 3.7º of anterior tilt (range: −9º of anterior tilt to 25º of posterior tilt). The mean SPTA in sitting was −17.7º of posterior tilt (range: −38º of posterior tilt to 7º of anterior tilt). In a fixed spinal deformity (54%) the SPTA was significantly smaller compared to the flexible pelvis group (10º versus 30.9º, p=0.0001). Flexible pelvises (46%) had a posterior tilt from standing to sitting resulting in increased anteversion. Overall, mean change in LSA and SA from standing to sitting was 22.5º and 20.2º, respectively. The mean post-operative functional anteversion and abduction angles were 19.2º and 42.1º, respectively. In the virtual 3D pelvic models, when the abduction angle was between 40 and 45 degrees, anteversion changed of 0.75 degrees for 1 degree of change of pelvic tilt. Discussion. There is a significant change in pelvic tilt from standing to sitting, especially in patients with flexible spines, where the functional anteversion increases with sitting. Patients with a fixed pelvis have significantly less change in sagittal tilt and therefore less change in anteversion from standing to sitting position. Care should be taken to adjust cup positioning in fixed spinal deformity

Malorientation of the acetabular cup in Total Hip replacement (THR) may contribute to premature failure of the joint through instability (impingement, subluxation or dislocation), runaway wear in metal-metal bearings when the edge of the contact patch encroaches on the edge of the bearing surface, squeaking of ceramic-ceramic bearings and excess wear of polyethylene bearing surfaces leading to osteolysis. However as component malorientation often only occurs in functional positions it has been difficult to demonstrate and often is unremarkable on standard (usually supine) pelvic radiographs. The effects of spinal pathology as well as hip pathology can cause large rotations of the pelvis in the sagittal plane, again usually not recognized on standard pelvic views. While Posterior pelvic rotation with sitting increases the functional arc of the hip and is protective of a THR in regards to both edge loading and risk of dislocation, conversely Anterior rotation with sitting is potentially hazardous. We developed a protocol using three functional positions – standing, supine and flexed seated (posture at “seat-off” from a standard chair). Lateral radiographs were used to define the pelvic tilt in the standing and flexed seated positions. Pelvic tilt was defined as the angle between a vertical reference line and the anterior pelvic plane. Supine pelvic tilt was measured from computed tomography. Proprietary software (Optimized Ortho, Sydney) based on Rigid Body Dynamics then modelled the patients’ dynamics through their functional range producing a patient-specific simulation which also calculates the magnitude and direction of the dynamic force at the hip and traces the contact area between prosthetic head/liner onto a polar plot of the articulating surface. Given prosthesis specific information edge-loading can then be predicted based on the measured distance of the edge of the contact patch to the edge of the acetabular bearing. Results and conclusions. The position of the pelvis in the sagittal plane changes significantly between functional activities. The extent of change is specific to each patient. Spinal pathology can be an insidious “driver” of pelvic rotation, in some cases causing sagittal plane spinal imbalance or changes in orientation of previously well oriented acetabular components. Squeaking of ceramic on ceramic bearings appears to be multi factorial, usually involving some damage to the bearing but also usually occurring in the presence of anterior or posterior edge loading. Often these components will appear well oriented on standard views [Fig 1]. Runaway wear in hip resurfacing or large head metal-metal THR may be caused by poor component design or manufacture or component malorientation. Again we have seen multiple cases where no such malorientation can be seen on standard pelvic radiographs but functional studies demonstrate edge loading which is likely to be the cause of failure [Fig 2]. Clinical examples of all of these will be shown

Introduction. All current methods of cup placement use anterior pelvic plane (APP) as the reference. However, the majority of studies investigating the measurement of anteversion (AV) and abduction angles (AA) are inaccurate since the effect of pelvic tilt and obliquity are not considered. The aim of this study was to describe a reproducible, novel technique for functional cup positioning using internal and external bony landmarks and the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL). Methods. The pelvic obliquity and tilt are measured on the pre-operative weight bearing AP and lateral pelvic radiographs. Intra-operatively, the highest point of the iliac crest is identified and a line is drawn to the middle of the greater trochanter with knee flexed to 90 degrees and leg thigh horizontal to the floor, parallel to the APP. The cup is placed parallel to the TAL and inside the anterior acetabular wall notch, and then is adjusted for the femoral anteversion, pelvic tilt and obliquity. The angle between the drawn line and the cup handle is the operative anteversion. 78 consecutive total hip replacements (76 patients) were performed using this technique. The functional cup orientation was measured on post-operative weight bearing pelvic radiographs using EBRA software. Results. The mean follow-up was 1.2 ± 0.3 years. There were no fracture, dislocation or infection. The mean functional AV and AA were 17.9° ± 4.7° (7.8–28.7) and 41.7° ± 3.8° (33.4–50), respectively. The mean pelvic tilt and obliquity were −3.1° ± 9.7° (−25–9) and −1.5° ± 3.2° (−9.9–7.4), respectively. 96% of functional AV and 100% of functional AA measurements were within the safe zone. Discussion and Conclusion. This is an easy, accurate, and reproducible technique, which uses bony landmarks and TAL, adjusted for femoral anteversion and pelvis tilt and obliquity. Weight-bearing radiographs should be used to standardise the measurements with the goal to reproduce the functional cup orientation within the safe zone

A-70-year old woman underwent uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty using a titanium modular stem with a 46mm CoCr femoral head, a titanium shell, and a metal linear (Wright Medical Technology). Eight years after implantation, she presented with a painful left hip. A pelvic radiograph revealed adequate positioning of both hip implants without any signs of wear of loosening. CT scanning confirmed the presence of a 5 × 5 cm soft tissue mass in the ilium above the cup component accompanied by the iliac fracture. The patient was diagnosed as having an adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) after a metal-on-metal THA and revision was performed. Perioperatively?tissue necrosis and partial destruction of the abductor mechanism were found in the absence of any macroscopic infection. Both the neck trunnion and bore of the head showed slight signs of corrosion. The modular neck was revised with a ceramic 28mm head and a new dual-mobility liner(Zimmer Biomet). The iliac fracture was fixed with a porous trabecular metal augment(Zimmer Biomet). The histopathology of tissue sample revealed extensively necrotic material with focal cellular areas of inflammatory cells containing macrophages and neutrophilas. Metalic debris was also scattered in the necrotic materials. After the revision, the patient was recovered without pain or dislocation, and iliac fracture was well fixed. Instability is a substantial problem in the revision of ARMD. Extensive necrosis with gross deficiency of the abductor mechanism is associated with postoperative dislocation. Revision of failed MoM THA a dual-mobility device an effective strategy

Introduction. The objective of our study was to determine the extent to which the quality of the biomechanical reconstruction when performing hip replacement influences gait performances. We aimed to answer the following questions: 1) Does the quality of restoration of hip biomechanics after conventional THR influence gait outcomes? (question 1), and 2) Is HR more beneficial to gait outcomes when compared with THR? (question 2). Methods. we retrospectively reviewed 52 satisfied unilateral prosthetic hip patients (40 THRs and 12 HRs) who undertook objective gait assessment at a mean follow-up of 14 months. The quality of the prosthetic hip biomechanical restoration was assessed on standing pelvic radiograph by comparison to the healthy contralateral hip. Results. We were unable to detect any statistically significant correlation between the radiographical parameters and the gait data, for THR patients. In stress conditions (inclination or declination of the ramp), the gait was more symmetric in the HR group, compared to the THR group. Discussion/Conclusions. We found that slight variations in the quality of the hip biomechanical restoration had little effect on gait outcomes of THR patients, and HR generated a more physiological gait under stress conditions than well-functioning THR

Anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs are the standard tool used for pre-operative planning and post-operative evaluation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The accuracy of this imaging modality is, however, limited by errors in pelvic orientation and image distortion. Pelvic obliquity is corrected for by orienting measurements to a reference line such as the interteardrop line or the interischial line, while several methods for correcting for pelvic tilt have been suggested, with varying levels of success. To date, no reliable method for correcting for pelvic rotation on pelvic imaging is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel method for correcting pelvic rotation on a standard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) scans from 10 male cadavers and 10 female THA patients were segmented using 3D Slicer and used to create 3D renderings for each pelvis. Synthetic AP radiographs were subsequently created from the 3D renderings, using XRaySim. For each pelvis, images representing pelvic rotation of 30° left to 30° right, at 5° increments were created. Four unique parameters based on pelvic landmarks were used to develop the correction method: i) the horizontal distance from the upper edge of the pubic symphysis to the sacroiliac joint midline (PSSI), ii) the ratio of the horizontal distances from the upper edge of the pubic symphysis to the outer lateral border of both obturator foramina (PSOF), iii) the width ratio of the obturator foramina (OFW) and iv) the ratio of the horizontal distance from each anterior superior iliac spine to the sacroiliac joint midline (ASISSI). The relationships between the chosen parameters and pelvic rotation were investigated using a series of 260 (13 per pelvis) synthetic AP radiographs. Male and female correction equations were generated from the observed relationships. Validation of the equations was done using a different set of 50 synthetic radiographs with known degrees of rotation. In males, the PSSI parameter was most reliable in measuring pelvic rotation. In females, PSOF was most reliable. A high correlation was noted between calculated and true rotation in both males and females (r=0.99 male, r=0.98 female). The mean difference from the male calculated rotation and true rotation value was 0.02°±1.8° while the mean difference from the female calculated rotation and true rotation value was −0.01°±1.5°. Our correction method for pelvic rotation using four pelvic parameters provides a reliable method for correcting pelvic rotation on AP radiographs. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Robotic-assisted hip arthroplasty helps acetabular preparation and implantation with the assistance of a robotic arm. A computed tomography (CT)-based navigation system is also helpful for acetabular preparation and implantation, however, there is no report to compare these methods. The purpose of this study is to compare the acetabular cup position between the assistance of the robotic arm and the CT-based navigation system in total hip arthroplasty for patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods. We studied 31 hips of 28 patients who underwent the robotic-assisted hip arthroplasty (MAKO group) between August 2018 and March 2019 and 119 hips of 112 patients who received THA under CT-based navigation (CT-navi group) between September 2015 and November 2018. The preoperative diagnosis of all patients was osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. They received the same cementless cup (Trident, Stryker). Robotic-assisted hip arthroplasty were performed by four surgeons while THA under CT-based navigation were performed by single senior surgeon. Target angle was 40 degree of radiological cup inclination (RI) and 15 degree of radiological cup anteversion (RA) in all patients. Propensity score matching was used to match the patients by gender, age, weight, height, BMI, and surgical approach in the two groups and 30 patients in each group were included in this study. Postoperative cup position was assessed using postoperative anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph by the Lewinnek's methods. The differences between target and postoperative cup position were investigated. Results. The acetabular cup position of all cases in both Mako and CT-navi group within Lewinnek's safe zone (RI: 40±10 degree; RA: 15±10 degree) in group were within this zone. Three was no significant difference of RI between Mako and CT-navi group (40.0 ± 2.1 degree vs 39.7± 3.6 degree). RA was 15.0 ± 1.2 degree and 17.0 ± 1.9 degree in MAKO group and in CT-navi group, respectively, with significant difference (p<0.001). The differences of RA between target and postoperative angle were smaller in MAKO group than CT-navi group (0.60± 1.05 degree vs 2.34± 1.40 degree, p<0.001). The difference or RI in MAKO group was smaller than in CT-navi, however, there was no significance between them (1.67± 1.27 degree vs 2.39± 2.68 degree, p=0.197). Conclusions. Both the assistance of the robotic arm and the CT-based navigation system were helpful to achieve the acetabular cup implantation, however, MAKO system achieved more accurate acetabular cup implantation than CT-based navigation system in total hip arthroplasty for the patients with OA secondary to DDH. Longer follow-up is necessary to investigate the clinical outcome

Introduction. Acetabular dysplasia cause hip joint osteoarthritis(OA) by change hip mechanism. However, to our best knowledge, no studies have been published using prospectively collected data from asymptomatic young age volunteers, precise radiographic method. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of hip dysplasia in asymptomatic Korean population as one of the most important risk factor of hip OA. Materials & Methods. From December 2014 to March 2015, we investigated prospectively collected retrospectively reviewed data of 200 asymptomatic volunteers 400 hips in age between 18 and 50 years recruited from our institution. Pelvic radiographs were taken and all radiographs were reviewed by 2 experienced orthopedic surgeons. Lateral center-edge angle(LCEA), Sharp angle, Tonnis angle and acetabular width-depth ratio were measured. We analyzed the statistical differences of these values between sex by Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure the relationship between dysplasia parameters. Results. On the Pelvic AP view, 60 of the 400 hips (15%) were dysplastic hip as LCEA <20°. In 146 male hips, 17 hips (11.6%) were LCEA <20°. In 254 female hips, 43 hips(16.9%) were LCEA <20°. There was no strong correlation of LCEA with other measurements. Conclusion. There are large number of asymptomatic dysplastic hips in Asian population compared previously investigated

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

Background. The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) has been described as an anatomic landmark to guide in the positioning of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty. On plain films, the radiographic teardrop (RT) has similarly been utilized as a measure of appropriate cup positioning. The goal of this study is to quantify the distance and location between the anatomic TAL and RT landmarks to aid in the positioning of acetabular component. Methods. Sixteen randomly selected cadaveric pelvises (eight male, eight female) underwent dissection. Radiographic markers were placed bilaterally at the anteromedial insertions of the TAL, and true anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs of the cadavers were obtained. Distances between the markers and the lateral borders of the RT were measured. Results. The mean distance between the anteromedial insertion of the TAL and the lateral border of the RT in the male specimens was 11.8 [99% CI, 11.4 to 12.2] mm. In the female specimens, the TAL to RT distance was shorter, with a mean of 8.4 [99% CI, 7.2 to 9.6] mm. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female cadavers (p<0.01). Conclusions. The distance between the RA and TAL differs between males and females. Understanding the distance between these anatomic and radiographic landmarks should aid surgeons in obtaining a more accurate degree of acetabular component medialization, and can serve as a guide to minimize over-medialization in order to achieve more accurate and reproducible placement of acetabular components during a total hip arthroplasty

Despite our best efforts, orthopaedic surgeons do not always achieve desired results in acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although ideal abduction and anteversion angles vary depending on surgeon preference, patient factors and anatomy, studies have shown that improperly positioned cups lead to increased failure rates in THA. While there have been many technological advancements in THA, including using CT-guided and fluoroscopic techniques, the cost for the hospital and time required to use this technology sometimes force hospitals not to use them. New advancements in digital radiography and image analysis software allow contemporaneous assessment of cup position in real-time during the surgical procedure. Intra-operative, or “trial radiographs” with the patient in lateral decubitus position can be digitally manipulated to match pre-operative radiographs obtained with patients in the supine position to enable calculation of the abduction and anteversion angle in these patients. In our single surgeon experience, digital radiography takes approximately 4–6 seconds in order to obtain an AP pelvic radiograph. The use of the software to measure the cup position adds only 1–2 minutes to the operative time and minimises interference with workflow. The adjustments that can be made intra-operatively with this technology allow the surgeon to learn what factors in his surgical approach and technique are useful in achieving the desired component position. This allows the surgeon to have precise control over the cup position during the operation rather than experience disappointment and frustration while viewing the post-operative film. This cost-effective and efficient tool allows the surgeons to achieve the best results for their patients in real time without having to leave the operating room

Introduction. Cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an important variable for short and long term durability of any hip implant. This novel method utilises internal and external bony landmarks, and the transverse acetabular ligament for positioning the acetabular component. Methods. The cup is placed parallel and superior to the transverse ligament and inside the anterior wall notch of the true acetabulum, and then adjusted for femoral version and pelvic tilt, fixed obliquity, and transverse rotational deformity based on weight bearing pre-operative radiographs. Seventy consecutive THRs (68 patients) were performed using the above technique. The cup radiographic and functional anteversion and abduction angle were measured on post-operative weight bearing pelvic radiographs using EBRA software. Results. The mean follow-up was 8.1 ± 2.4 months (4.3 – 11.8 months). There were no dislocations. The mean anteversion and abduction angle was 41.8 degrees ± 4.6 degrees and 18.5 degrees ± 4.4 degrees, respectively. In 3 hips, the radiographic abduction angle was slightly outside the safe zone of Lewinnek as measured based on the inter-teardrop line. However, when using a weight bearing AP pelvis radiograph to measure functional abduction angle using a horizontal line as a reference, they were all within the normal range. Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed technique utilises intra- and extra-articular bony landmarks, allows for adjustment for lumbosacral angle, abnormal femoral anteversion, and excessive acetabular version. The proposed technique is a reproducible and accurate method for cup placement with posterior exposure

The orientation of the acetabular component in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty affects wear rate and hence failure. Correct assessment of acetabular orientation is key in assessing the painful hip resurfacing. This study aimed to establish if interpretation of pelvic radiographs with TraumaCad software can provide a reliable alternative to computed tomography (CT) in measuring the acetabular inclination and version. TraumaCad was used to measure the acetabular orientation on AP pelvis radiographs of 14 painful hip resurfacings. Four orthopaedic surgeons performed each measurement twice. These were compared with measurements taken from CT reformats performed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist. The correlation between TraumaCad and CT was calculated, as was the intra- and inter-observer reliability of TraumaCad. There is strong correlation between the two techniques for the measurement of inclination and version (p<0.001). Intra- and inter-observer reliability of TraumaCad measurements are good (p<0.001). Mean absolute error for measurement of inclination was 2.1°. TraumaCad underestimated version compared to CT in 93% of cases, by 12.6 degrees on average. When assessing acetabular orientation in hip resurfacing, the orthopaedic surgeon may use TraumaCad in the knowledge that it correlates well with CT and has good intra- and inter-observer reliability but underestimates version by 12° on average. This underestimation may be contributed to by the natural divergence of the X-ray beam, the short arc of the ellipse left exposed by the large diameter head, and the non-hemispherical resurfacing cup

Introduction. A common injury pattern in current military experience is traumatic lower limb amputation from improvised explosive devices. This injury can co-exist with pelvic girdle fractures. Methods. We reviewed 67 consecutive patients with traumatic lower limb amputations treated in Camp Bastion Hospital, Afghanistan. Results. 16 (24%) had an associated pelvic fracture (10 APC/vertical shear and 6 acetabular or pubic rami fractures). Traumatic single amputees (n=28) had a 14% incidence of associated pelvic fracture with traumatic double amputees (n=39) increasing this association to 31%. However, if the double amputations were above knee, the incidence of associated open book fractures was 26% (6/23) with 39% (9/23) sustaining some form of bony pelvic injury. The majority of patients (95%) had a pelvic X-ray as part of the primary survey. Of these 51% (n=34) had a Sam sling. (r). in situ but only fifteen were deemed appropriately applied. Conclusions. Given the high risk of pelvic fractures in patients with traumatic bilateral lower limb amputations, particularly those involving opening of the pelvic ring, it is imperative that the earliest and proper application of a pelvic binder be initiated

The position of the pelvis has been shown to influence acetabular orientation. However there have been no studies quantifying that effect on the native acetabulum. Our aims were to investigate whether it is possible to quantify the relationship between pelvic tilt and acetabular orientation in native hips, and whether pelvic tilt affects acetabular cover of the femoral head. Computerized tomography scans of 93 hips (36 normal, 31 dysplastic and 26 with acetabular retroversion) were analyzed. We used a CT technique that allows standardised three-dimensional (3D) analysis of acetabular inclination and anteversion and calculation of femoral head cover in relation to the anterior pelvic plane and at different degrees of forward and backward tilt. Acetabular anteversion, inclination and cover of the femoral head were measured at pelvic tilt angles ranging from −20° to 20° in relation to the anterior pelvic plane using 5° increments. The effect of pelvic tilt on version was similar in the normal, dysplastic and retroverted groups, with a drop in anteversion ranging from 2.5° to 5° for every 5° of forward tilt. The effect on inclination was less marked and varied among the three groups. Pelvic tilt increased femoral head cover in both normal and dysplastic hips. The effect was less marked, and tended to be negligible at higher positive tilt angles, in the retroverted group. This study has provided benchmark data on how pelvic tilt affects various acetabular parameters which in turn may be helpful in promoting greater understanding of acetabular abnormalities and how pelvic tilt affects the interpretation of pelvic radiographs