Femoral stem impingement can damage an acetabular liner, create polyethylene wear, and potentially lead to dislocation. To avoid component-to-component impingement, many surgeons aim to align acetabular cups based on the “Safe Zone” proposed by Lewinnek. However, a recent study indicates that the historical target values for cup inclination and anteversion defined by Lewinnek et al. may be useful but should not be considered a safe zone. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of altering femoral head size on hip range-of-motion (ROM) to impingement. Ten healthy subjects were instrumented and asked to perform six motions commonly associated with hip dislocation, including picking up an object, squatting, and low-chair rising. Femur-to-pelvis relative motions were recorded throughout for flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation. A previously reported custom, validated hip ROM three-dimensional simulator was utilized. The user imports implant models, and sets parameters for pelvic tilt, stem version, and specific motions as defined by the subjects. Acetabular cup orientations for abduction and anteversion combinations were chosen. The software was then used to compute minimum clearances or impingement between the components for any hip position. Graphs for acetabular cup abduction vs. anteversion were generated using a tapered wedge stem with a 132º neck angle, a stem version of 15°, and a pelvic tilt of 0°. The only variable changed was femoral head size. Head sizes reviewed were 32mm, 36mm, and a Dual-Mobility liner with an effective head size of 42mm. All femoral head sizes can be used with a 50mm acetabular cup.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
