A new CT method for measuring cup orientation after total hip arthroplasty: a study of 10 patients

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 degrees for anteversion (range 0-6.6 degrees), and 1.1 degrees for inclination (range 0-4.6 degrees). For interobserver measurements, the precision, defined as one standard deviation, was 2.9 degrees for anteversion, and 1.5 degrees 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.     

The frontal pelvic plane provides a valid reference system for implantation of the acetabular cup: spatial orientation of the pelvis in different positions

Background The frontal pelvic plane has traditionally served as the reference plane for implantation of the acetabular cup during total hip arthroplasty, with referencing performed with the patient supine on the operating table. During daily activities in an upright position, the frontal pelvic plane changes from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. If this change in orientation is accompanied by a substantial change in pelvic inclination angle, it would mean that the use of the frontal pelvic plane as a reference plane for implantation of the acetabular cup would not be valid for proper alignment of the cup. To evaluate this possibility, we measured the change of inclination of the pelvis from the supine to the standing position.

Subjects and methods We evaluated 120 patients, first positioned in a standing position and then supine on a table. Three pelvic landmarks were digitized percutaneously, and the spatial coordinates were calculated with regard to pelvic orientation in the horizontal and the vertical plane.

Results We found a mean inclination of 6.7° in the standing position and 5.6° in the supine position. Patients who were more than 60 years of age who did not have coxarthrosis had a greater inclination angle (8.7°) while standing. Pelvic orientation was stable with regard to the supine and standing positions. These results were independent of sex, level of arthrosis, or status after implantation of a total hip replacement.

Interpretation The frontal pelvic plane is a valid reference plane for implantation of the acetabular cup.

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Pelvic tilt makes acetabular cup navigation inaccurate

Background Modern navigation techniques allow precise positioning of the acetabular cup relative to the anterior pelvic plane. Variations in pelvic tilt will affect the resulting spatial orientation of the cup.

Methods We measured pelvic tilt in 30 volunteers with an inclinometer combined with an ultrasonographic position measurement system. A mathematical algorithm was developed to calculate the resulting cup position measured on standard radiographs, depending on pelvic tilt.

Results Average pelvic tilt at rest was -4° in the lying position and -8° in the standing position, and ranged from -27° to +3°. Pelvic reclination of 1° will lead to functional anteversion of the cup of approximately 0.7°.

Interpretation Pelvic tilt makes navigation systems referring to the anterior plane inaccurate.     

Hemispheric cups do not reproduce acetabular rim morphology

Background Iliopsoas impingement is a recurrent complication following THA, caused by muscle friction against a protrusive prosthetic cup.This study was designed to quantify the dimensional variations in acetabular rim proiles, with particular regard to the iliopubic valley, in order to suggest means to prevent iliopsoas impingement.

Material and methods 34 cadaver pelvises were analyzed using a hip navigation system.The morphometric data were processed to plot proiles of all acetabular rims with particular regard to the shape and depth of the psoas valley.

Results The acetabular rim is an asymmetric succession of 3 peaks and 3 troughs.The psoas valley is a salient feature in most pelvises and there is only a weak correlation between its depth (mean 3.8 mm, SD 2.0) and acetabular diameter, anteversion, or inclination.

Interpretation It would be dificult to obviate the anterior overlap of the acetabulum using a hemispheric cup, a fortiori in certain morphotypes, without compromising range of motion or risk of dislocation.The solution for prevention of iliopsoas impingement would be to adapt cup design to acetabular anatomy, which may require different implants for the right and left sides, and hence a doubled inventory.     

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.     

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.     

The figure-of-four axis as a reference to determine stem rotation in hip arthroplasty. What does it really measure? A cadaver study

Background and purpose Implantation of the femoral component at 10-15° of anteversion is recommended in THA. Surgical guidelines suggest that the lower leg be positioned horizontally or vertically with the knee flexed to 90° (figure of four). By constructing a perpendicular axis (a “figure-of-four” axis) to the lower leg, anteversion of the stem is approximated. We assessed whether the figure-of-four axis is a reliable intraoperative tool to approximate the retrocondylar line as a reference for stem version.

Methods Cadavers (21 in total) were placed supine on an operating table and the lower legs were aligned to the horizontal plane. Cannulated titanium screws were inserted perpendicular to the lower leg into the medial epicondyle, representing the figure-of-four axis. The femoral neck axes, retrocondylar lines, and the figure-of-four axes were determined using CT images of the specimen.

Results The anteversion of the femoral neck was median 9.8 (4.5-15.1) degrees (interquartile range). The figure-of-four axis deviated by 0.5 (-2.1-2) degrees, whereas the median difference in the axis in relation to the femoral neck axis was 9.5 (-13.6 to -2) degrees.

Interpretation The figure-of-four axis, being nearly parallel to the retrocondylar line, is a valid indirect method for determination of stem version intraoperatively in patients without varus/valgus deviations of the knee.     

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。     

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.

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.     

Anteversion of the Acetabulum and Femoral Neck in Normals and in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Anteversion of the acetabulum and of the femoral neck was determined by use of computed tomography in 47 adults with normal hips and in 39 patients with osteoarthritis. The normal anteversion of the acetabulum was found to be 17 + 6° (mean ± standard deviation) and of the femoral neck 13 ± 7°. In the patients with osteoarthritis the femoral anteversion was on the average 6° larger than in the normals, whereas no difference was revealed in the figures of acetabular anteversion.

The relationship between the degree of femoral and of acetabular anteversion was calculated. No correlation was found, neither in the normals, nor in the patients. Consequently, the relationship between the anteversion of the femoral neck and of the acetabulum was poor in the patients as compared to the controls, and it is concluded that this is a contributing factor to osteoarthritis due to poor adaptation of the femoral head to the acetabulum.     

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     

The Effect of Postural Pelvic Dynamics on the Three-dimensional Orientation of the Acetabular Cup in THA Is Patient Specific

BackgroundSagittal pelvic dynamics mainly consist of the pelvis rotating anteriorly or posteriorly while the hips flexes, and this affects the femoroacetabular or THA configuration. Thus far, it is unknown how the acetabular cup of the THA in the individual patient reorients with changing sagittal pelvic dynamics.Questions/purposesThe aim of this study was to validate a method that establishes the three-dimensional (3-D) acetabular cup orientation with changing sagittal pelvic dynamics and describe these changes during functional pelvic dynamics.MethodsA novel trigonometric mathematical model, which was incorporated into an easy-to-use tool, was tested. The model connected sagittal tilt, transverse version, and coronal inclination of the acetabular cup during sagittal pelvic tilt. Furthermore, the effect of sagittal pelvic tilt on the 3-D reorientation of acetabular cups was simulated for cups with different initial positions. Twelve pelvic CT images of patients who underwent THA were taken and rotated around the hip axis to different degrees of anterior and posterior sagittal pelvic tilt (± 30°) to simulate functional pelvic tilt in various body positions. For each simulated pelvic tilt, the transverse version and coronal inclination of the cup were manually measured and compared with those measured in a mathematical model in which the 3-D cup positions were calculated. Next, this model was applied to different acetabular cup positions to simulate the effect of sagittal pelvic dynamics on the 3-D orientation of the acetabular cup in the coronal and transverse plane. After pelvic tilt was applied, the intraclass correlation coefficients of 108 measured and calculated coronal and transverse cup orientation angles were 0.963 and 0.990, respectively, validating the clinical use of the mathematical model.ResultsThe changes in 3-D acetabular cup orientation by functional pelvic tilt differed substantially between cups with different initial positions; the change in transverse version was much more pronounced in cups with low coronal inclination (from 50° to -29°) during functional pelvic tilt than in cups with a normal coronal inclination (from 39° to -11°) or high coronal inclination (from 31° to 2°). However, changes in coronal inclination were more pronounced in acetabular cups with high transverse version.ConclusionUsing a simple algorithm to determine the dynamic 3-D reorientation of the acetabular cup during functional sagittal pelvic tilt, we demonstrated that the 3-D effect of functional pelvic tilt is specific to the initial acetabular cup orientation and thus per THA patient.Clinical RelevanceFuture studies concerning THA (in)stability should not only include the initial acetabular cup orientation, but also they need to incorporate the effect of sagittal pelvic dynamics on the individual 3-D acetabular cup orientation. Clinicians can also use the developed tool, www.3d-hip.com, to calculate the acetabular cup’s orientation in other instances, such as for patients with spinopelvic imbalance.     

The Influence of Pelvic Tilt on the Anteversion Angle of the Acetabular Prosthesis

The concept of the “safe area” of the acetabular prosthesis has a long history and has been recognized by many scholars. It is generally believed that postoperative hip dislocation rate is low, when the acetabular anteversion angle is placed in the range of 15° ± 10°. Despite this, hip dislocation is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty. In recent years, more and more scholars have paid attention to the influence of pelvic tilt on the acetabular anteversion angle. The concept of acetabular anteversion changes as the pelvic tilt changes, and is challenging the traditional acetabular prosthesis “safe area.” This study summarized the potential influencing factors of pelvic tilt and discussed the influence of the phenomenon on the anteversion angle of total hip arthroplasty (THA) acetabular prosthesis based on the literature review. We conclude that from the supine position to standing, followed by sitting, the pelvis tends to move backward. Pelvic sagittal activity, lumbar disease (ankylosing spondylitis), lumbar fusion (lumbar fusion, spine‐pelvic fusion), and other factors related to the tilt are THA risk factors for postoperative dislocation and revision. With the change of body position, the degree of acetabular anteversion is directly related to the degree of pelvic tilt. The acetabular anteversion varies greatly, which leads to increased hip prosthesis wear and even hip dislocation. The lateral X‐ray of the spine and pelvis is recommended in supine, standing, and sitting positions before THA. In addition, the pelvic tilt should be regarded as a reference of the acetabular prosthesis in the preoperative planning of THA.     

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.     

Detection of bony defects around cementless acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty: a DEXA study on 10 human cadavers

Background We studied the ability of DEXA to detect bony defects around cementless acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to provide a tool for detection and quantification of osteolytic lesions for the planning of revision cases.

Methods We measured BMC in 10 human pelvis specimens retrieved from post mortem. We created standardized defects behind inserted acetabular components and compared the ash weights of the removed bone to the corresponding BMC measurements.

Results We found a good correlation between the BMC differences measured and the corresponding ash weights.

Interpretation We conclude that DEXA can detect even small defects in the bone adjacent to the cup.     

Toward a Dynamic Approach of THA Planning Based on Ultrasound

The risk of dislocation after THA reportedly is minimized if the acetabular implant is oriented at 45° inclination and 15° anteversion with respect to the anterior pelvic plane. This reference plane now is used in computer-assisted protocols. However, this static approach may lead to postoperative instability because the dynamic variations of the pelvis influence effective cup orientation and are not taken into account in this approach. We propose an ultrasound tool to register the preoperative dynamics of the pelvis for THA planning during computer-assisted surgery. To assess this pelvic behavior and its consequences on implant orientation, we tested a new 2.5-dimensional ultrasound-based approach. The pelvic flexion was registered in sitting, standing, and supine positions in 20 subjects. The mean values were −25.2° ± 5.8° (standard deviation), 2.4° ± 5.1°, and 6.8° ± 3.5°, respectively. The mean functional anteversion varied by 26° and the mean functional inclination by 12° depending on the pelvic flexion. We therefore recommend including dynamic pelvic behavior to minimize dislocation risk. The notion of a safe zone should be revisited and extended to include changes with activity. One or more of the authors (GD) have received funding from the French National Agency of Research, Réseau National des Technologies pour la Santé. Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.     

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.     

Safe fixation with two acetabular screws after Ganz periacetabular osteotomy

Background and purpose With Ganz periacetabular osteotomy, the osteotomized acetabular fragment is reoriented in an adducted, extended, and rotated position. The acetabular fragment is fixated with 2 screws and the patients are allowed 30 kg of weight bearing immediately after surgery. We were interested in examining the stability of the reoriented acetabulum after Ganz osteotomy; thus, the migration of the acetabular fragment was assessed by radiostereometry.

Patients and methods 32 dysplastic patients (27 females; 32 hips) were included in the study. Median age was 39 (20-57) years. Radiostereometric examinations were done at 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months. Data are presented as mean (SD).

Results 6 months postoperatively, the acetabular fragment had migrated 0.7 (0.8) mm medially, and 0.7 (0.5) mm proximally. Mean rotation in adduction was 0.5° (1.3). In other directions, mean migration was below 0.5 mm/°. There were no statistically significant differences in migration at 8 weeks and 24 weeks postoperatively regarding translation and rotation.

Interpretation Due to the limited amount of migration, we find our postoperative partial weight-bearing regime safe.     

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.