A new CT method for measuring cup orientation after total hip arthroplasty

Background It is difficult to assess the orientation of the acetabular component on routine radiographs. We present a method for determining the spatial orientation of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using computed tomography.

Patients and methods Two CT-scans, 10 min apart, were obtained from each of 10 patients after THA. Using locally developed software, two independent examiners measured the orientation of the acetabular component in relation to the pelvis. The measurements were repeated after one week. To be independent of the patient position during scanning, the method involved two steps. Firstly, a 3D volumetric image of the pelvis was brought into a standard pelvic orientation, then the orientation of the acetabular component was measured. The orientation of the acetabular component was expressed as operative anteversion and inclination relative to an internal pelvic reference coordinate system. To evaluate precision, we compared measurements across pairs of CT volumes between observers and trials.

Results Mean absolute interobserver angle error was 2.3° for anteversion (range 0-6.6°), and 1.1° for inclination (range 0-4.6°). For interobserver measurements, the precision, defined as one standard deviation, was 2.9° for anteversion, and 1.5° for inclination. A Student's t-test showed that the overall differences between the examiners, trials, and cases were not significant. Data were normally distributed and were not dependent on examiner or trial.

Interpretation We conclude that the implant angles of the acetabular component in relation to the pelvis could be detected repeatedly using CT, independently of patient positioning.     

Comparison of fluoroscopic and imageless registration in surgical navigation of the acetabular component.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the repeatability and reproducibility of acetabular component positioning using imageless and fluoroscopic-referenced navigation methods. METHODS: A single cadaveric pelvis had a modular acetabular component securely fixed. Cup position was evaluated using imageless and fluoroscopic registration techniques. These were compared to measurements of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and a validated CT scan protocol. RESULTS: The CMM-determined anatomical acetabular inclination measurement was 46.02 degrees (SD = 1.07), while the CMM-determined anatomical anteversion (pubic symphysis) was 15.79 degrees (SD = 0.41). Computed tomography revealed inclination of 42.2 degrees (SD = 0.65); anteversion with pubic tubercle referencing of 12.1 degrees (SD = 0.14); and anteversion with pubic symphysis referencing of 14.3 degrees (SD = 0.89). Evaluation of repeatability (one surgeon; n = 8) with the imageless system (pubic tubercle) revealed inclination of 41.8 degrees (SD = 0.46) and anteversion of 11.2 degrees (SD = 0.8). For the fluoroscopic system (pubic symphysis), inclination was 42.8 degrees (SD = 1.6) and anteversion was 17.6 degrees (SD = 3.1). Evaluation of reproducibility (three surgeons; n = 24) with the imageless system revealed inclination of 41.8 degrees (SD = 0.82) and anteversion of 15.2 degrees (SD = 1.06). For the fluoroscopic system, inclination was 48.5 degrees (SD = 0.9) and anteversion was 17.8 degrees (SD = 2.5). Imageless referencing of cup inclination and anteversion were found to be process capable using the Six Sigma Cp and Cpk capability indices. Fluoroscopic referencing was process capable for cup inclination but not for cup anteversion (Cp - 1.1; Cpk - 1.0). An F-test revealed significantly greater variance with fluoroscopic referenced anteversion (p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Imageless referencing was process capable for computer navigation of cup placement in the ex-vivo setting. Fluoroscopic referencing for pelvic landmarks is problematic as locating points from radiographic images is difficult, especially for cup anteversion.     

髋臼横韧带定位髋臼假体前倾校正骨盆旋转

目的通过观察后外侧入路全髋关节置换术中骨盆的旋转变化，探讨术中骨盆旋转对髋臼假体前倾角植入的影响，评估使用髋臼横韧带作髋臼假体前倾定位的准确性以及对骨盆旋转角度变化的校正作用。 方法2015年1月至2016年1月河池市第三人民医院关节外科收治的行初次THA的40例44髋的髋关节疾病患者纳入本研究。纳入标准为：初次THA术的患者，术前、术后CT扫描质量符合标准、能确定髋臼解剖前倾角、髋臼假体前倾角的患者。排除标准：髋臼发育不良、强直性脊柱炎、既往有髋关节严重创伤手术史以及翻修术等，术前、术后双髋关节CT扫描，CT横断面上骨盆明显倾斜、两侧髋关节的中心显示明显不在同一层面、难以确定水平线测量前倾角的患者，予以排除。手术均采用侧卧位后外侧入路，切皮前将1枚施氏针以垂直于地面方向打入髂骨嵴，术中髋臼假体的前倾角，以髋臼横韧带为参照标志，通过直接参照或间接参照髋臼横韧带进行髋臼挫磨及安装臼杯，使髋臼假体开口平行韧带进行安放，在此过程中用摄像机记录施氏针相对于地面的角度变化，确定手术过程中骨盆旋转度数，同时测量并记录挫磨髋臼及安放假体时，相对于身体长轴髋臼手术前倾角的数值。术后通过CT测量髋臼假体前倾角，对术中手术前倾角和术后髋臼假体的前倾角、术前髋臼解剖前倾角数据进行t检验分析。 结果术中骨盆旋转发生在本研究中的平均度数为(18±4)°。44个髋关节中，所有的病例都能对髋臼横韧带进行辨认，术中手术前倾角平均为(33±5)°，有93%(41髋)的病例大于Lewinnek提出的"安全区"的前倾角上限25°，余下的7%(3个髋)也全部大于24°。术后CT测量髋臼假体的解剖前倾角为(21±10)°，与术前髋臼解剖前倾角度(19±7)°比较，差异无统计学意义(t＝1.264，P >0.05)。 结论在后外侧入路THA术中，体位改变骨盆前旋转会影响髋臼假体植入的准确性，使用髋臼横韧带作为解剖标志指导髋臼假体前倾角度的植入，可以排除患者体位改变骨盆旋转对前倾角的影响，提高髋臼假体放置的准确性。     

Validation of a new method for determination of cup orientation in THA

Our goal was to validate accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility/reliability of a new method for determining cup orientation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This method allows matching the 3D‐model from CT images or slices with the projected pelvis on an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph using a fully automated registration procedure. Cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) is calculated relative to the anterior pelvic plane, corrected for individual malposition of the pelvis during radiograph acquisition. Measurements on blinded and randomized radiographs of 80 cadaver and 327 patient hips were investigated. The method showed a mean accuracy of 0.7 ± 1.7° (?3.7° to 4.0°) for inclination and 1.2 ± 2.4° (?5.3° to 5.6°) for anteversion in the cadaver trials and 1.7 ± 1.7° (?4.6° to 5.5°) for inclination and 0.9 ± 2.8° (?5.2° to 5.7°) for anteversion in the clinical data when compared to CT‐based measurements. No systematic errors in accuracy were detected with the Bland–Altman analysis. The software consistency and the reproducibility/reliability were very good. This software is an accurate, consistent, reliable, and reproducible method to measure cup orientation in THA using a sophisticated 2D/3D‐matching technique. Its robust and accurate matching algorithm can be expanded to statistical models. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1583–1588, 2009     

Acetabular component orientation in intra- and postoperative positions in total hip arthroplasty

Introduction  In total hip arthroplasty (THA), acetabular component orientation has critically important effects on dislocation, range of motion, polyethylene wear, pelvic osteolysis, and component migration. The differences in the pelvic orientation in the intraoperative lateral position for insertion of acetabular component during operation and that in the postoperative supine position for evaluation of acetabular component orientation will be one of the factors, which make outliers in acetabular component orientation. We compared acetabular component orientation between intraoperative lateral position and postoperative supine position in 100 consecutive primary THAs. Materials and methods  A total of 100 consecutive primary THAs (between October 2004 and December 2005) in 100 patients performed by a single surgical team were investigated. Intraoperative anteroposterior radiographs of pelvis in the lateral position and postoperative anteroposterior radiographs of pelvis in the supine position were taken. Acetabular component orientation (vertical tilt and anteversion) were measured using computer software. Results  The absolute values of difference between measurements in the two positions were 5.3° ± 4.5° (mean ± SD) for vertical tilt and 5.1° ± 3.7° for anteversion. The difference in the vertical tilt between the two positions was significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion  The difference in the acetabular component orientation between the two positions, which might be caused by the difference between intra- and postoperative pelvic orientation, should be considered during THA.     

Accurate Acetabular Component Orientation After Total Hip Arthroplasty Using an Acetabular Alignment Guide

Between February 2005 and August 2006, we recorded acetabular component orientation in 90 patients (100 hips) who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), to determine whether using an alignment guide ensures accurate acetabular positioning. In the alignment-guide group (46 patients; 48 hips), a guide was placed on the pelvis, a Kirschner wire (K-wire) was attached to the guide, and orientation of the acetabular component was confirmed by both the surgeon and an assistant. In the control group (44 patients; 52 hips), a K-wire was not used and the angle was confirmed by the surgeon alone. Radiographic acetabular component inclination and anteversion and computed tomography anteversion were determined. There was no significant difference in mean component orientation between the 2 groups. However, the SD was significantly smaller in the alignment-guide group, showing that consistent acetabular component orientation in primary THA is highly reproducible when an acetabular alignment guide with an attached K-wire is used.     

Reliability of cup position in navigated THA in the lateral decubitus position using the 'flip technique'

Malpositioning of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases the risk of dislocation, reduces the range of motion and may contribute to bearing surface wear. During computer assisted navigation, the anterior pelvic plane is registered intraoperatively by percutaneous palpation, but this may be unreliable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of imageless navigation in acetabular positioning employing data acquisition in the supine position and surgery in the lateral position ('flip technique'). We report 24 patients affected by primary osteoarthritis undergoing THA in which implants were placed with a conventional free-hand technique using the acetabular transverse ligament for cup orientation. For imageless navigation we used Orthopilot-Aesculap software. All patients had a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan at three months, using previously validated dedicated software for cup orientation. Data collected using navigation software were compared with CT measurements. The mean acetabular inclination and anteversion recorded intra-operatively using navigation software were respectively 41°5' (SD: 9.61) and 9°5' (SD: 4.01) respectively. The mean inclination and anteversion calculated post-operatively by the CT based image software were 44°2' (SD 5.83) and 14°4' (SD 6.42) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the anteversion values (p=0.04). Therefore, the acquisition of parameters in the supine position with surgery performed in the lateral decubitus position creates unreliable data concerning cup anteversion using an imageless navigation system, and therefore the 'flip technique' cannot be recommended.     

Accuracy and Precision of Version Angle Measurements of the Acetabular Component After Total Hip Arthroplasty

The orientation of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty is expressed with inclination angle and anteversion angle (VA). We studied the differences in accuracy and precision between VA measured on AP radiographs of the pelvis and those measured on cross-table lateral radiographs when compared to the gold standard measurements on CT using a supine functional pelvic plane as reference. VA was measured for 66 hips at one week after surgery on an AP radiograph of the pelvis (VAP), a cross-table lateral radiograph of the hip (VCL), and CT of the pelvis. Mean (± SD) of error was 2.8° ± 4.1° for VCL, and − 0.57° ± 3.1° for VAP. VAP showed a higher accuracy and precision than VCL. For measurements of VA, we recommend that they be made on an AP radiograph of the pelvis rather than a cross-table lateral radiograph of the hip.     

Measuring Acetabular Component Version After THA: CT or Plain Radiograph?

Background

Although cross-table lateral radiographs are commonly used to measure acetabular component version after THA, recent studies suggest that CT-based measurement is more accurate. This has been attributed to variations in pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, and component inclination. Furthermore, it has been suggested, based on limited data, that even with ideal positioning of the cross-table lateral radiograph, CT remains the more accurate modality.

Questions/purposes

We determined whether appropriately positioned cross-table lateral radiographs could provide accurate measurements of acetabular component version, and compared accuracy and reliability of measurements from modified cross-table lateral radiographs with those from standard cross-table lateral radiographs and CT.

Methods

We implanted 27 Sawbones^® pelves with an acetabular cup using computer navigation. CT, an AP view of the pelvis, and cross-table lateral and modified cross-table lateral radiographs were performed for each specimen. For the modified cross-table lateral radiograph, the beam angle varied based on the cup inclination as measured on an AP view of the pelvis. Two independent observers measured acetabular component version and inclination. We calculated intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities for each method and compared these with values obtained from navigation presuming that to be the standard for judging accuracy.

Results

Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were greater than 0.95 (95% CI, 0.904–0.999) for all measurements. Correlation with navigated values was 0.96 or greater (95% CI, 0.925–0.998) for all methods. Although CT had the highest correlation with navigated values, the correlations for the modified cross-table lateral and cross-table lateral radiographs were similar.

Conclusion

CT allows for accurate measurement of acetabular component version; however, when properly positioned, cross-table lateral radiograph-derived measurements are similarly accurate.

Clinical Relevance

Our results support the use of plain radiographs to obtain important measurements after THA.     

The Use of Fluoroscopy During Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty: Powerful or Misleading?

Background

Direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) with fluoroscopic assistance is growing in popularity. Variables such as pelvic tilt, c-arm technique, and patient positioning can affect the perceived fluoroscopic view. This study evaluates the effect of these variables on the position of the acetabular component.

Compliant positioning of total hip components for optimal range of motion.

Impingement between femoral neck and endoprosthetic cup is one of the causes for dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Choosing a correct combined orientation of both components, the acetabular cup and femoral stem, in manual or computer-assisted implantation will yield a maximized, stable range of motion (ROM) and will reduce the risk for dislocation. A mathematical model of a THA was developed to determine the optimal combination of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion for maximizing ROM and minimizing the risk for cup-neck impingement. Single and combined hip joint motions were tested. A radiographic definition was used for component orientation. Additional parameters, such as stem-neck (CCD) angle, head-neck ratio, and the design of the acetabular opening, were also considered. The model showed that a maximized and safe ROM requires compliant, well-defined combinations of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion depending on the intended ROM. Radiographic cup anteversion and stem antetorsion were linearly correlated. Additional internal rotation reduced flexion, and additional external rotation reduced extension, abduction and adduction. The articulating hemispheric surface of acetabular cups should be oriented between 40 degrees and 45 degrees of radiographic inclination, between 20 degrees and 28 degrees of radiographic cup anteversion, and should be combined with stem antetorsion so that the sum of cup anteversion plus 0.7 times the stem antetorsion equals 37 degrees. Final component orientation must also consider cup containment, implant impingement with bone and soft tissue, and preoperative skeletal contractures or deformities to achieve the optimal compromise for each patient.     

In vitro investigation of the influence of pelvic tilt on acetabular cup alignment

This study investigates the influence of pelvic tilt on conventional alignment of acetabular cups. Cementless cups were aligned into a synthetic replica of the pelvis 300 times at different pelvic tilts. At +10 degrees pelvic tilt, average cup inclination was 46.2 degrees (32 degrees to 65 degrees ; +/-7.0 degrees ), and average cup anteversion was 19.8 degrees (4 degrees to 37 degrees ; +/-9.1 degrees ). At neutral pelvic tilt, inclination was 44.5 degrees (28 degrees to 59 degrees ; +/-7.2 degrees ), and anteversion was 15.6 degrees (-5 degrees to 33 degrees ; +/-8.1 degrees ). At -10 degrees pelvic tilt, inclination was 42.6 degrees (25 degrees to 61 degrees ; +/-7.2 degrees ), and anteversion was 10.5 degrees (-10 degrees to 37 degrees ; +/-12.2 degrees ). Overall, 50% of the cups were positioned outside the safe zone: 46% in pelvic inclination, 42% in neutral position, and 63% in pelvic reclination (P = .007). This study shows the considerable inaccuracies of conventional cup implantation by experienced and trainee surgeons and shows the influence of pelvic tilt on acetabular cup alignment.     

Implant position calculation for acetabular cup placement considering pelvic lateral tilt and inclination.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of cup position versus pelvic lateral tilt and inclination. While computer assisted navigation systems use only the pelvic frontal plane for cup placement, it is important to realize the effect of leg length differences or increased pelvic inclination, i.e., caused by contracted hip flexors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a sawbone model of the pelvis, cup position measurements were performed with different pelvic inclination and lateral tilt angles. The measured values were compared with outcome variables from a mathematical model. A computer program was developed to perform a reverse calculation to verify the mathematical model. RESULTS: The mathematical model proved correct in the sawbone pelvis experiment. The cup position changed from 15 degrees anteversion in 0 degrees pelvic inclination to 0.5 degrees retroversion in 15 degrees pelvic inclination. Regardless of pelvic inclination, the vertical cup projection stayed in a safe range of 37-47 degrees. Leg length differences greater than 3 cm have significant effects on the positioning of acetabular cups in the frontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: Using computer navigation, it is possible to determine pelvic inclination and lateral tilt during an operation by calculating the angular difference between the anatomic frontal plane and the "real world" frontal plane (i.e., the OR table). This method may be helpful in increasing the accuracy of positioning of acetabular cups.     

Image-based hip navigation

After experimental and preclinical evaluation (HAP Paul Award 2001) of a CT-free image-guided surgical navigation system for acetabular cup placement, the system was introduced into clinical routine. The computation of the angular orientation of the cup is based on reference coordinates from the anterior pelvic plane (APP) concept. A hybrid strategy for pelvic landmark acquisition has been introduced involving percutaneous pointer-based digitization with the noninvasive biplanar landmark reconstruction using multiple registered fluoroscopy images. From January 2001 to May 2002, 118 consecutive patients (mean age 68 years, 82 male, 36 female, and 62 left and 56 right hip joints) were operated on with the hybrid CT-free navigation system. During each operation, the angular orientation of the inserted implant was recorded. To determine the placement accuracy of the acetabular components, the first 50 consecutive patients underwent a CT scan 7-10 days postoperatively to analyze the cup position relative to the APP. This was done blinded with commercial planning software. There was no significant learning curve observed for the use of the system. Mean values for postoperative inclination read 43 degrees (SD 3.0, range 37-49) and anteversion 19 degrees (SD 3.9, range 10-28). The resulting system accuracy, i.e., the difference between intraoperatively calculated cup orientation and postoperatively measured implant position, shows a maximum error of 5 degrees for the inclination (mean 1.5 degrees, SD 1.1) and 6 degrees for the anteversion (mean 2.4 degrees, SD 1.3). An accuracy of better than 5 degrees inclination and 6 degrees anteversion was achieved under clinical conditions, which implies that there is no significant difference in performance from the established CT-based navigation methods. Image-guided CT-free cup navigation provides a reliable solution for future total hip arthroplasty (THA).     

C-arm based navigation in total hip arthroplasty-background and clinical experience

After experimental and preclinical evaluation of a CT-free image guided surgical navigation system for acetabular cup placement, the system was introduced into clinical routine. The computation of the angular orientation of the cup is based on reference coordinates from the anterior pelvic plane concept. A hybrid strategy for pelvic landmark acquisition has been introduced, involving percutaneous pointer-based digitization with the noninvasive bi-planar landmark reconstruction using multiple registered fluoroscopy images. From January 2001 to October 2003, a total of 236 consecutive patients (mean age 66 years, 144 male, 92 female, 124 left and 112 right hip joints) were operated on with the hybrid CT-free navigation system. During each operation, the angular orientation of the inserted implant was recorded. To determine the placement accuracy of the acetabular components, the first 50 consecutive patients underwent a CT scan 7-10 days postoperatively to analyze the cup position relative to the anterior pelvic plane. This procedure was done blinded and with commercial planning software. There was no significant learning curve observed for the use of the system. Mean values for postoperative inclination read 42 degrees (SD 3.6, range (37-49)) and anteversion 21 degrees (SD 3.9, range (10-28)). The resulting system accuracy, ie, the difference between intraoperatively calculated cup orientation and postoperatively measured implant position shows a maximum error of 5 degrees for the inclination (mean 1.5 degrees, SD 1.1) and 6 degrees for the anteversion (mean 2.4 degrees, SD 1.3). An accuracy of better than 5 degrees inclination and 6 degrees anteversion was achieved under clinical conditions, which implies that there is no significant difference in performance from the established CT-based navigation methods. Image-guided CT-free cup navigation provides a reliable solution for future total hip arthroplasty (THA).     

Accuracy of acetabular component positioning with a fluoroscopically referenced CAOS system.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of a fluoroscopic referenced system used for guiding acetabular component positioning. METHODS: Calibration of the Medtronic StealthStation Treon Plus system was performed using a Weber gage block to assess linearity. Metrologic validation of repeatability and reproducibility was done using a cadaveric pelvis with an uncemented cup placed in the target position of 45 degrees inclination and 17.5 degrees anteversion. A baseline assessment was done with a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable coordinate measuring machine (CMM). RESULTS: Weber gage block analysis revealed a mean bias of 0.69 mm. For the cadaveric pelvis, the anterior pelvic plane was determined using the bilateral anterior superior iliac spines with the symphysis pubis as the inferior landmark. The mean CMM measurement was inclination of 46.023 degrees (SD=1.075; range: 43.318-46.844 degrees) and anteversion of 15.787 degrees (SD=0.411; range: 15.068-16.384 degrees). One surgeon performed a repeatability assessment (n=8), finding mean inclination of 42.8 degrees (SD=1.5; range: 39.5-44.5 degrees) and anteversion of 17.5 degrees (SD=3.0; range: 14.5-22.5 degrees). Three surgeons performed a reproducibility assessment (n=24), finding mean overall inclination of 48.5 degrees (SD=0.9; range: 46-50 degrees) and anteversion of 17.8 degrees (SD=2.5; range: 13.5-23.5 degrees). All measurements were within a predefined acceptability range of+/-5 degrees. DISCUSSION: The accuracy and reproducibility of the fluoroscopic referencing method was found to be suitable for determination of cup position in the surgical setting. Anteversion measurements were more variable for the fluoroscopic method and this may be related to the difficulty for the surgeon in predictably picking the anatomical points from the fluoroscopic image.     

Quantification and visualization of the influence of pelvic tilt upon measurement of acetabular inclination and anteversion

AIM: The indication of acetabular inclination and anteversion not only depends on definition but also on a correctly aligned patient. Determination of anteversion and inclination according to Sven-Johannsson and Visser were simulated with 3D calculations. The influence of pelvic tilt in relation to the frontal plane was evaluated and visualized. METHOD: With 3D calculations of planar X-ray photographs for artificial hip cups the normal vector of the acetabular cup was used to calculate anteversion and inclination. RESULTS: The main axis of the projected acetabular rim is equally suited to determine the cup orientation as the normal vector of the cup plane. Pelvic tilt of about 10 degrees causes measuring errors of about 8 degrees when measured with conventionally used techniques. CONCLUSION: For the correct determination of cup orientation pelvic tilt in relation to the frontal plane has to be accounted for.     

Does Functional Cup Orientation Change at Minimum of 10 Years After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundCup orientation has been shown to influence the postoperative risk of impingement and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and may change over time due to changes in pelvic tilt that occur with aging. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant change in acetabular cup inclination and anteversion over a 10-year period following THA.MethodsA retrospective, multisurgeon, single-center cohort study was conducted of 46 patients that underwent THA between 1995 and 2002. A total of 46 patients were included, with a median age at surgery of 56 years, and a median time between initial postoperative radiograph and the most recent one being 13.5 years (minimum 10 years). Cup orientation was measured from postoperative and follow-up supine anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs. Using a validated software, inclination and anteversion were calculated at each interval and the change in cup anteversion and inclination angle was determined. Furthermore, the difference in the sacro-femoral-pubic angle was measured, reflecting the difference in pelvic tilt between intervals.ResultsNo significant difference was detected between measurements taken from initial postoperative radiograph and measurements a minimum of 10 years later (P > .45), with the median (interquartile range) change in anteversion, inclination, and sacro-femoral-pubic being 0° (−1° to 3°), 1° (−3° to 2°), and 0° (−2° to 3°), respectively.ConclusionOur study found no significant change in functional cup orientation a minimum of 10 years after THA. No shifts in functional cup orientation as a result of altering spinopelvic alignment seemed to be present over a 10-year period.     

Computer navigation of the acetabular component: a cadaver reliability study

Our aim was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability in the establishment of the anterior pelvic plane used in imageless computer-assisted navigation. From this we determined the subsequent effects on version and inclination of the acetabular component. A cadaver model was developed with a specifically-designed rod which held the component tracker at a fixed orientation to the pelvis, leaving the anterior pelvic plane as the only variable. Eight surgeons determined the anterior pelvic plane by palpating and registering the bony landmarks as reference points. The exact anterior pelvic plane was then established by using anatomically-placed bone screws as reference points. The difference between the surgeons was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). The variation was significantly larger for anteversion (sd 9.6 degrees ) than for inclination (sd 6.3 degrees ). The present method for registering pelvic landmarks shows significant inaccuracy, which highlights the need for improved methods of registration before this technique is considered to be safe.     

Measurements of acetabular cup position and pelvic spatial orientation after total hip arthroplasty using computed tomography/radiography matching.

This study presents a clinical validation of postoperative measurements of acetabular cup alignment following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The methodology was based on concurrent anatomic three-dimensional (3D) measurements of both the acetabular cup alignment and pelvic orientation, using an original CT/X-ray matching algorithm named Xalign. The subjects were 19 patients who had undergone bilateral THA using CT-based surgical navigation. All patients had postoperative pelvic CT scans and multiple antero-posterior (AP) pelvic X-rays. Using a proprietary software algorithm, the X-rays included in the study were matched with the corresponding postoperative CT scans. The goal of this method was to allow 3D anatomic pelvic and acetabular measurements on two-dimensional AP X-rays. The postoperative cup abduction, version and pelvic flexion angles were determined in three different ways: using CT images directly, applying the Xalign method, and finally by performing conventional (abduction only) measurements on AP pelvic X-rays. The cup orientation measured on CT images was taken as the ground truth. The Xalign measurement errors were defined as the difference between the CT cup values and those obtained by applying the matching method. The mean cup abduction error was 0.85 degrees +/- 1.3 degrees (+/- standard deviation) and the mean version error was 0.01 degrees +/- 1.99 degrees . Conventionally measured cup abduction ranged from 44 degrees to 62 degrees and correlated significantly (p = 0.001, r = -0.5) with pelvic flexion angle, proving the linear negative correlation between pelvic flexion and the error in conventional radiographic cup measurements. The Xalign method offered reasonable accuracy for cup orientation, and allowed cup and pelvic 3D anatomic measurements at different times.