In recent years the majority of X-ray departments have moved to a digital format of recording and archiving radiographs. These digital images (as with previous ‘films’) have a built in magnification factor (variable with each patient), which, may cause errors in templating for joint replacement surgery. Placing a marker of known size at the same level as the joint in question allows calculation of the magnification. This may help to restore hip offset in total hip replacement.

To establish the magnification factor for digital radiographs taken in our unit.

To assess the usefulness of marker images in accurate preoperative templating. Preoperative marker radiographs were identified retrospectively. The apparent size of the marker was measured on digital image. This value was used to calculate the magnification of the image. The scaled X-ray was up loaded to a digital templating software programme. This software uses a ‘scaling tool’ to calculate the magnification of the image. The hip joint templating tool was the used to calculate the offset of the proximal femur, this was performed with the calculated magnification and also an assumed magnification of 120%. The recommended offset of Exeter V40 stem was noted for both values.

Images were identified for 40 patients with markers. The average magnification was 122% for both PACS and Orthoview with a range 113% – 129% and a standard deviation of 4%. The median value for magnification was 120%. The average change in offset between calculated and estimated magnification was 1.275mm with a maximum change of 3mm. In two cases this difference resulted in a change in the recommended offset (5%).

The use of marker radiographs is widely described. In this small series the magnification is the same as previously reported in other studies. The difference in offset between calculated and estimated magnification was relatively small and caused a change in the recommended offset in only two patients. Variation in the use of the templating tool in our software can produce a much greater change in offset. Marker radiographs will only be useful as part of a standardised method of pre-operative templating.

Introduction: During total hip arthroplasty various femoral stem offsets are available and the femoral stem can be placed in either varus or valgus. The overall effect of this is to increase or decrease the functional offset at the hip joint. Many authors have investigated the effects of the functional offset upon the reconstructed hip joint. To our knowledge no studies have concentrated on the effects, if any, upon the loading and function of the knee joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects, if any, of reducing functional offset at the knee.

Materials and methods: To study the effects of alterations in functional offset during hip arthroplasty, a biomechanical computer model was constructed. Normal lower limb anthropometric measurements available in the literature were used within this program. The model thus constructed calculated the effect of different functional offsets upon moments about the knee in stationary standing on one leg. The model also allowed for different varus/valgus placement of the stem.

Results: Reducing prosthetic neck length reduces the moment arm created by the ground reaction force about the knee axis. Placing the stem in valgus reduces the moment arm. This reduction depends upon the length of the neck.

Discussion: In the one legged stance, the line of weight is offset in the coronal plane from the AP axis of the knee joint producing an adducting moment about the knee, balanced by tension in the lateral collateral ligament of the knee and the iliotibial tract. Any reduction in this moment arm would alter the loading of the knee, altering the value of the force on the lateral compartment of the knee. Indeed, it is possible to develop a situation where the knee moment arm creates an abducting moment about the knee, increasing the loading of the lateral compartment of the knee. This may lead to valgus malalignment of the knee.