The pelvis is known to undergo significant movement during Total Hip Replacement (THR). We developed a 4D-tracking device employing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track changes in pelvic orientation during THR.

The IMU was mounted on the iliac crest in 39 cases with tracking initiated at the commencement of surgery and digital logging of significant intra-operative milestones (i.e. acetabular impaction). The system was validated by videoing a select number of cases and the 4D model linked in real-time. Data were processed using a custom Java-based infrastructure to calculate roll (left/right) and tilt (flexion/extension).

19 patients underwent direct anterior approach (DAA) and 20 posterior approach (PA). Comparing DAA to PA, at acetabular impaction there was mean pelvic roll seen of 3.7°(range 0.5–10.1°) in the DAA group, and 5.6°(range 0.1–16.2°) in the PA group. Mean tilt in the DAA group was 3.7°(range: 0.2–7.1°) and in the PA group was 1.7°(range: 0.2–4.3°).

Mean BMI in the DAA group was 25.2(range: 18.4–34.2) and 29.1(range: 21.5–42.4). There was no direct correlation between BMI and the amount of roll or tilt recorded for individual patients.

The IMU tracking device provided a useful and real-time method of assessing pelvic orientation during THR via both the DAA and posterior approach. Specific variations in tilt and roll are consistent with previous literature. Significant variation in the pattern of pelvic movement was noted to be dependent on the approach and the position of the patient on the operating table.