Influence of Contralateral Hip Status on Pelvic Tilt After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Every degree of change in pelvic tilt (PT) leads to a 0.7° change in anteversion and a 0.3° change in inclination. This study aimed to determine the significance of contralateral hip arthritis on changes in PT using preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior radiographs. Methods: There were 193 primary total hip arthroplasties done by 2 surgeons at a single academic tertiary referral center reviewed between September 2021 and January 2023. PT was calculated as Tilt = -(ln[(B/A) × (1/0.483)]) / 0.051. Value A is the distance from the base of the SI joint to the superior margin of the obturator foramen; value B is the height of the obturator foramen. After exclusions, contralateral hips were identified as being normal (n = 75), arthritic (n = 39) (Tönnis grade 3/4), replaced (n = 34), or having undergone simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (n = 5) on postoperative films. Difference in PT was measured between preoperative and postoperative films taken 1-3 months after surgery. Analyses for statistical significance were calculated using t-tests and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Average change in PT in patients with normal contralateral hips was -5.2° with an absolute mean difference of 7.6°, -1.5° for arthritic contralateral hips with an absolute mean difference of 5.0°, -1.6° for replaced contralateral hips with a mean absolute difference of 4.3°, and 2.2° for bilateral hips with a mean absolute difference of 2.6° (P < .01). Conclusions: Differences in postoperative PT changes between healthy, arthritic, and replaced contralateral hip study groups were significant. Changes in preoperative to postoperative tilt may have implications for optimal cup placement.

Hip-spine parameters change with increasing age.

Aims: Spinopelvic pathology increases the risk for instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet few studies have evaluated how pathology varies with age or sex. The aims of this study were: 1) to report differences in spinopelvic parameters with advancing age and between the sexes; and 2) to determine variation in the prevalence of THA instability risk factors with advancing age. Methods: A multicentre database with preoperative imaging for 15,830 THA patients was reviewed. Spinopelvic parameter measurements were made by experienced engineers, including anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPT), spinopelvic tilt (SPT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic incidence (PI). Lumbar flexion (LF), sagittal spinal deformity, and hip user index (HUI) were calculated using parameter measurements. Results: With advancing age, patients demonstrate increased posterior APPT, decreased standing LL, decreased LF, higher pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, higher prevalence of abnormal spinopelvic mobility, and higher HUI percentage. With each decade, APPT progressed posteriorly 2.1°, LF declined 6.0°, PI-LL mismatch increased 2.9°, and spinopelvic mobility increased 3.8°. Significant differences were found between the sexes for APPT, SPT, SS, LL, and LF, but were not felt to be clinically relevant. Conclusion: With advancing age, spinopelvic biomechanics demonstrate decreased spinal mobility and increased pelvic/hip mobility. Surgeons should consider the higher prevalence of instability risk factors in elderly patients and anticipate changes evolving in spinopelvic biomechanics for young patients.

Reliability of the transverse acetabular ligament as a landmark for functional cup anteversion in total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) can be a useful and reproducible landmark in the orientation of the acetabular cup in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Its role in guiding cup orientation when aiming to implant in a functional anteversion orientation is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the TAL and the planned acetabular cup anteversion when implanted in a function orientation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study the anteversion of the TAL in the contralateral un-replaced hip was measured in CT scans of patients undergoing THA and compared to the functional cup anteversion using the patient-specific spinopelvic parameters. Comparative measurements of the native acetabular version were made from the superior rim to the inferior rim and at 10 mm intervals between the 2, all in reference to the anterior pelvic plane. RESULTS: 96 hips were measured. The mean TAL anteversion angle was 17.2° ± 4.5°. The mean planned acetabular cup anteversion angle was 26.3° ± 4.7°. Pearson's correlation coefficient of this measurement with the TAL was -0.03 (p = 0.769). There was a significant difference between the planned acetabular cup anteversion and the measurement of the TAL (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: If cups are implanted parallel to the TAL, almost 80% will be >5° different to targeted functional cup version. It should be aimed to implant cups with more anteversion than the TAL indicates.

Accuracy of intraoperative approximation of pelvic tilt using preoperative standing radiographs.

Background: Anterior approach surgeons who utilize intraoperative fluoroscopy often try to match a preoperative radiograph as a reference for intraoperative cup position. Every degree of inaccuracy in tilt leads to a roughly 0.7° change in anteversion. This study aimed to determine how closely pelvic tilt (PT) is approximated intraoperatively when compared to preoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 193 primary THA's done by 2 surgeons at an academic tertiary referral center between September 2021-January 2023. There were 24 patients excluded for distorted anatomy, post-traumatic arthritis, insufficient x-rays, or a sacroiliac joint that could not be visualized on film. Data collected included age and BMI. PT was calculated using the formula, Tilt = -(ln((B/A) x (1/0.483)))/0.051. Value A is the distance from the base of the SI joint to the superior margin of the obturator foramen; value B is the height of the obturator foramen. Results: Mean preoperative PT was 0.2° versus intraoperative PT was 3.4° (p < 0.001). Mean absolute difference was 6.5°. 48% of patients (n = 81) had an absolute difference less than 5°, 31% (n = 52) between 5° and 10°, 14% (n = 24) between 10° and 15°, and 7% (n = 12) greater than 15°. There was no correlation between BMI or age and PT discrepancy. Conclusion: Of the patients, 21% had a discrepancy of 10° or greater between their preoperative radiographs and intraoperative fluoroscopic images. Surgeons should be aware of potential errors in cup positioning and be particularly diligent in high-risk cases.

Excessive posterior pelvic tilt from preoperative supine to postoperative standing after total hip arthroplasty.

Aims: Excessive posterior pelvic tilt (PT) may increase the risk of anterior instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in PT occurring from the preoperative supine to postoperative standing position following THA, and identify factors associated with significant changes in PT. Methods: Supine PT was measured on preoperative CT scans and standing PT was measured on preoperative and one-year postoperative standing lateral radiographs in 933 patients who underwent primary THA. Negative values indicate posterior PT. Patients with > 13° of posterior PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing (ΔPT ≤ -13°) radiographs, which corresponds to approximately a 10° increase in functional anteversion of the acetabular component, were compared with patients with less change (ΔPT > -13°). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess preoperative demographic and spinopelvic parameters predictive of PT changes of ≤ -13°. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) determined the diagnostic accuracy of the predictive factors. Results: PT changed from a mean of 3.8° (SD 6.0°)) preoperatively to -3.5° (SD 6.9°) postoperatively, a mean change of -7.4 (SD 4.5°; p < 0.001). A total of 95 patients (10.2%) had ≤ -13° change in PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing. The strongest predictive preoperative factors of large changes in PT (≤ -13°) from preoperative supine to postoperative standing were a large posterior change in PT from supine to standing, increased supine PT, and decreased standing PT (p < 0.001). Flexed-seated PT (p = 0.006) and female sex (p = 0.045) were weaker significant predictive factors. When including all predictive factors, the accuracy of the AUC prediction was 84.9%, with 83.5% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. Conclusion: A total of 10% of patients had > 13° of posterior PT postoperatively compared with their supine pelvic position, resulting in an increased functional anteversion of > 10°. The strongest predictive factors of changes in postoperative PT were the preoperative supine-to-standing differences, the anterior supine PT, and the posterior standing PT. Surgeons who introduce the acetabular component with the patient supine using an anterior approach should be aware of the potentially large increase in functional anteversion occurring in these patients.

Evaluating computed bony range of motion (BROM) by registering in-vitro cadaver-based functional range of motion (FROM) to a hip motion simulation.

BACKGROUND: While modern hip replacement planning relies on hip motion simulation (HMS), it lacks the capability to include soft-tissues and ligaments restraints on computed bony range of motion (BROM), often leading to an overestimation of the in-vivo functional range of motion (FROM). Furthermore, there is a lack of literature on BROM assessment in relation to FROM. Therefore, the study aimed to assess computed BROM using in-vitro cadaver-derived FROM measurements, registered to a CT-based in-house HMS, and to further investigate the effect of functional and anatomical hip joint centres (FHJC and AHJC) on BROM. METHOD: Seven limiting and three non-limiting circumducted passive FROM of four cadaver hips were measured using optical coordinate measuring machine with reference spheres (RSs) affixed to the pelvis and the femur, following CT-scan of the specimen. The RSs' centres were used to register the measured FROM in HMS, enabling its virtual recreation to compute corresponding BROM by detecting nearest bony impingement. FHJC, estimated from non-limiting FROM, was compared with AHJC to examine their positional differences and effect on BROM. RESULTS: Differences in BROM and FROM were minimal in deep flexion (3.0° ± 4.1°) and maximum internal rotation (IR) at deep flexion (3.0° ± 2.9°), but substantially greater in extension (53.2° ± 9.5°). Bony impingement was observed during flexion, and IR at deep flexion for two hips. The average positional difference between FHJC and AHJC was 3.1 ± 1.2 mm, resulting in BROM differences of 1°-13° across four motions. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided greater insight into the applicability and reliability of computed BROM in pre-surgical planning.

Total Hip Arthroplasty and the Spinopelvic Relationship: What's the Latest!

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) has proved to be a successful surgical procedure, both prosthetic and bone impingement resulting in dislocation continue to occur. Studies have shown that spine pathology resulting in lumbar stiffness and hip arthritis often coexist. Spinopelvic mobility patterns during postural changes affect three-dimensional acetabular component position, which affects the incidence of prosthetic impingement and THA instability. Several spinopelvic risk factors that may affect THA stability have been identified. Numerous reports recommend performing a preoperative spinopelvic mobility analysis to identify risk factors and adjust acetabular component position accordingly to lessen the risk of impingement. In doing so, acetabular component position is individualized based on spinopelvic mobility patterns. Additionally, functional femoral anteversion, affected by individual femoral rotation patterns during dynamic activities, may contribute to the incidence of impingement. It is important to review the interrelationship between spine and pelvic mobility and how it relates to THA and may reduce the incidence of instability.

Increased Cup Anteversion May Not Prevent Posterior Dislocation in Patients With Abnormal Spinopelvic Characteristics in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: The aims of this study were to (1) assess the degree of variation in acetabular component placement and combined anteversion in a large cohort of dislocating total hip arthroplasties; (2) assess the spinopelvic characteristics of the cohort; and (3) examine the association between cup anteversion and reported direction of instability. Methods: A commercial database of 245 dislocating total hip arthroplasties referred for postoperative computed tomography and functional radiographic imaging and analysis were reviewed. Spinopelvic parameters and cup and stem positions were measured in the supine, standing, flex-seated, and anterior pelvic plane (APP) positions. Spinopelvic characteristics were stratified by high, neutral, and low cup anteversion using thresholds of >35° and <15° anteversion in standing, respectively. Results: In the dislocation cohort, 62%, 45%, and 42% of cups were within the safe zone in supine, standing, and the APP, respectively (P < .001). Patients with high vs neutral or low cup anteversion had significantly stiffer spines, more posterior pelvic tilt in standing, greater changes in pelvic tilt, and higher sagittal imbalance. Of the 45 patients with high cup anteversion and reported instability direction, 60% and 40% were reported to have posterior and anterior instability, respectively, with no differences in spinopelvic characteristics. Conclusions: In this dislocating cohort, there is a decreased percentage of cups within the safe zone in the APP and standing position compared to the supine reference. In addition, we found that patients having poor spinopelvic characteristics and high cup anteversion can still dislocate, suggesting that adjusting cup anteversion alone may not be sufficient for preventing instability.

Variation in Functional Pelvic Tilt in Female Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty With Acetabular Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: As the pelvis is a dynamic structure, the quantification of pelvic tilt (PT) should be done in different hip positions prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA). We sought to investigate functional PT in young female patients undergoing THA and explore the correlation of PT with the extent of acetabular dysplasia. Additionally, we aimed to define the PS-SI (pubic symphysis-sacroiliac joint) index as a PT quantifier on AP pelvis X-ray. METHODS: Pre-THA female patients under the age of 50 years (n = 678) were investigated. Functional PT in 3 positions (supine, standing, and sitting) were measured. Hip parameters including lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle, head extrusion index (HEI), and femoro-epiphyseal acetabular roof (FEAR) index were correlated to PT values. The PS-SI/SI-SH (sacroiliac joint-sacral height) ratio was also correlated to PT. RESULTS: From the 678 patients, 80% were classified as having acetabular dysplasia. Among these patients, 50.6% were bilaterally dysplastic. The mean functional PT of the entire patient group was 7.4°, 4.1°, and -1.3° in the supine, standing and seated positions. The mean functional PT of the dysplastic group was 7.4°, 4.0°, and -1.2° in the supine, standing and seated positions. The PS-SI/SI-SH ratio was found to be correlated to PT. CONCLUSION: Most of the pre-THA patients had acetabular dysplasia and exhibited anterior PT in the supine and standing positions, most pronounced in the standing position. PT values were comparable between the dysplastic and non-dysplastic group without change with worsening dysplasia. PS-SI/SI-SH ratio can be used to easily characterize PT.

Does Individualization of Cup Position Affect Prosthetic or Bone Impingement Following Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Spinopelvic (SP) mobility patterns during postural changes affect three-dimensional acetabular component position, the incidence of prosthetic impingement, and total hip arthroplasty (THA) instability. Surgeons have commonly placed the acetabular component in a similar "safe zone" for most patients. Our purpose was to determine the incidence of bone and prosthetic impingement with various cup orientations and determine if a preoperative SP analysis with individualized cup orientation lessens impingement. METHODS: A preoperative SP evaluation of 78 THA subjects was performed. Data were analyzed using a software program to determine the prevalence of prosthetic and bone impingement with a patient individualized cup orientation versus 6 commonly selected cup orientations. Impingement was correlated with known SP risk factors for dislocation. RESULTS: Prosthetic impingement was least with the individualized choice of cup position (9%) versus preselected cup positions (18%-61%). The presence of bone impingement (33%) was similar in all groups and not affected by cup position. Factors associated with impingement in flexion were age, lumbar flexion, pelvic tilt (stand to flexed seated), and functional femoral stem anteversion. Risk factors in extension included standing pelvic tilt, standing SP tilt, lumbar flexion, pelvic rotation (supine to stand and stand to flexed seated), and functional femoral stem anteversion. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic impingement is reduced with individualized cup positioning based on SP mobility patterns. Bone impingement occurred in one-third of patients and is a noteworthy consideration in preoperative THA planning. Known SP risk factors for THA instability correlated with the presence of prosthetic impingement in both flexion and extension.

Sacral Slope Change From Standing to Relaxed-Seated Grossly Overpredicts the Presence of a Stiff Spine.

BACKGROUND: Several authors propose that a change in sacral slope of ≤10° between the standing and relaxed-seated positions (ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated) identifies a patient with a stiff lumbar spine and has suggested the use of dual-mobility bearings for such patients undergoing a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to assess how accurately ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated can identify patients with a stiff spine. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, consecutive cohort series of 312 patients had standing, relaxed-seated, and flexed-seated lateral radiographs prior to THA. ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated was determined by the change in sacral slope between the standing and relaxed-seated positions. Lumbar flexion (LF) was defined as the difference in lumbar lordotic angle between standing and flexed-seated. LF ≤20° was considered a stiff spine. The predictive value of ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated for characterizing a stiff spine was assessed. RESULTS: A weak correlation between ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated and LF was identified (r2 = 0.13). Eighty six patients (28%) had ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated ≤10° and 19 patients (6%) had a stiff spine. Of the 86 patients with ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated ≤10°, 13 had a stiff spine. The positive predictive value of ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated ≤10° for identifying a stiff spine was 15%. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated ≤10° was not correlated with a stiff spine. Using this simplified approach could lead to a 7-fold overprediction of patients with a stiff lumbar spine and abnormal spinopelvic mobility, unnecessary use of dual-mobility bearings, and incorrect component alignment targets. Referring to patients with ΔSSstanding→relaxed-seated ≤10° as being stiff is misleading. The flexed-seated position should be used to effectively assess a patient's spine mobility prior to THA.

Does total hip arthroplasty with high hip centre in dysplasia compromise acetabular bone stock?

BACKGROUND: The placement of uncemented acetabular components during total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Crowe II and Crowe III dysplasia can be at the anatomic or high hip centre position. PURPOSES: Using computerised tomography data, we simulated acetabular cup placement at the anatomic hip centre and the high hip centre positions to assess whether there is a difference between the 2 in terms of bone loss from acetabular reaming and in acetabular coverage by host bone. METHODS: The study population included a consecutive cohort of 19 patients (22 hips) with Crowe II or III dysplasia. 3-dimensional models of the pelvis were created for each patient and digital templating was used to determine the anatomic and high hip centre positions. The coordinates of the digitally templated cup positions were fed into an image processing software to estimate the amount of bone reamed, the cup coverage by host bone and the elevation from tear drop. RESULTS: The mean volume of bone reamed was greater in the high hip centre position as compared to the anatomic position (27.3 ± 11. 4 cm3 vs. 19.4 ± 12.2 cm3, p < 0.0001). The coverage of the acetabular cup by host bone was greater in the high hip centre position (87.3 ± 5.9% vs. 68.3 ± 10%). The mean elevation in the high hip centre group was 13 mm with 3 hips having a breach of the medial wall. CONCLUSIONS: In Crowe II and III dysplasia, placement of acetabular cups at the anatomic hip centre better preserves bone stock as compared to high hip centre placement and should be preferred in young patients requiring THA.

High Prevalence of Spinopelvic Risk Factors in Patients With Post-Operative Hip Dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Excessive standing posterior pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar spine stiffness, low pelvic incidence (PI), and severe sagittal spinal deformity (SSD) have been linked to increased dislocation rates. We aimed to determine the prevalence of these 4 parameters in a cohort of unstable total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients and compare these to a large representative control population of primary THA patients. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with instability following primary THA were compared to a control cohort of 9414 THA patients. Lateral X-rays in standing and flexed-seated positions were used to assess PT and lumbar lordosis (LL). Computed tomography scans were used to measure PI and acetabular cup orientation. Thresholds for "at risk" spinopelvic parameters were standing posterior PT ≤ -15°, lumbar flexion (LLstand-LLseated) ≤ 20°, PI ≤ 41°, PI ≥ 70°, and SSD (PI-LLstand mismatch ≥ 20°). RESULTS: There were significant differences in mean spinopelvic parameters between the dislocating and control cohorts (P < .001). There were no differences in mean PI (58° versus 56°, respectively, P = .29) or prevalence of high and low PI between groups. 67% of the dislocating patients had one or more significant risk factors, compared to only 11% of the control. A total of 71% of the dislocating patients had cup orientations within the traditional safe zone. CONCLUSION: Excessive standing posterior PT, low lumbar flexion, and a severe SSD are more prevalent in unstable THAs. Pre-op screening for these parameters combined with appropriate planning and implant selection may help identify at risk patients and reduce the prevalence of dislocation.

Defining "Normal" Static and Dynamic Spinopelvic Characteristics: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Spinopelvic characteristics influence the hip's biomechanical behavior. However, there is currently little knowledge regarding what "normal" characteristics are. This study aimed to determine how static and dynamic spinopelvic characteristics change with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) among well-functioning volunteers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study of 112 asymptomatic volunteers (age, 47.4 ± 17.7 years; 50.0% female; BMI, 27.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2). All participants underwent lateral spinopelvic radiography in the standing and deep-seated positions to determine maximum hip and lumbar flexion. Lumbar flexion (change in lumbar lordosis, ∆LL), hip flexion (change in pelvic-femoral angle, ∆PFA), and pelvic movement (change in pelvic tilt, ΔPT) were determined. The hip user index, which quantifies the relative contribution of the hip to overall sagittal movement, was calculated as (∆PFA/[∆PFA + ∆LL]) × 100%. Results: There were decreases of 4.5° (9%) per decade of age in lumbar flexion (rho, -0.576; p < 0.001) and 3.6° (4%) per decade in hip flexion (rho, -0.365; p < 0.001). ∆LL could be predicted by younger age, low standing PFA, and high standing LL. Standing spinopelvic characteristics were similar between sexes. There was a trend toward men having less hip flexion (90.3° ± 16.4° versus 96.4° ± 18.1°; p = 0.065) and a lower hip user index (62.9% ± 8.2% versus 66.7% ± 8.3%; p = 0.015). BMI weakly correlated with ∆LL (rho, -0.307; p = 0.011) and ∆PFA (rho, -0.253; p = 0.039). Conclusions: Spinopelvic characteristics were found to be age, sex, and BMI-dependent. The changes in the lumbar spine during aging (loss of lumbar lordosis and flexion) were greater than the changes in the hip, and as a result, the hip's relative contribution to overall sagittal movement increased. Men had a greater change in posterior pelvic tilt when moving from a standing to a deep-seated position in comparison with women, secondary to less hip flexion. The influence of BMI on spinopelvic parameters was low.

Development of bony range of motion (B-ROM) boundary for total hip replacement planning.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pre-operative surgical planning using computer simulation is increasingly standard practice before Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), in order to determine the optimal implant positions, and thereby minimise post-operative complications such as dislocation, wear and leg length discrepancy. One of the limitations of current methods, however, is the lack of information on the subject-specific reference range of motion (ROM) that could be used as targets for surgical planning. Only a limited number of hip motions are considered, which are neither subject-specific, nor representative of all the hip motions associated with all the activities of daily livings (ADLs). In this paper, therefore, a method was developed to calculate subject-specific representative bony range of motion (B-ROM) that would cover all the possible joint motions and presented in terms of pure joint motions. METHODS: Only 3D bone geometries of femur and pelvis, constructed from personalised CT scan, were used as inputs for healthy hip joint whereas implant geometries and their positions on native bone geometries were required for planned treatment side or replaced side. Hip joint motion simulation was carried out using six different Tait-Bryan intrinsic rotation sequences of three pure joint motions - flexion-extension, abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation, and B-ROM was then identified for any of these six different sequences which caused earliest feasible impingement. The B-ROM could be used as a list of ROM data points or visualised as multiple 2D surface plots or a 3D envelop. Using the developed method, the B-ROM of a contralateral healthy hip joint of a patient can be used to define the subject-specific target ROM values to inform the surgical planning of the arthritic hip side so that the patient's natural ROM could be restored as closely as possible by the planned implant placements. This was demonstrated with a clinical verification study using 'non-dislocating' and 'dislocating' THA patients. RESULTS: The results supported the study hypothesis that the percentage of intersected volume of the healthy and replaced side B-ROM was higher for the 'Non-Dislocator' patient (95%) compared to 'Dislocator' (78%). Also, the results showed that the only one sequence (first flexion-extension, then abduction-adduction and finally internal-external rotation) was not adequate to identify all the possible limiting B-ROM, and therefore, all the six rotation sequences should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: The method encompasses every potential ADL, and as a result, more comprehensive surgical planning is possible, as the implant positions can be optimised in order to maximise impingement-free ROM, and consequently minimise clinical complications.

Pelvic incidence significance relative to spinopelvic risk factors for total hip arthroplasty instability.

AIMS: Pelvic incidence (PI) is a position-independent spinopelvic parameter traditionally used by spinal surgeons to determine spinal alignment. Its relevance to the arthroplasty surgeon in assessing patient risk for total hip arthroplasty (THA) instability preoperatively is unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the significance of PI relative to other spinopelvic parameter risk factors for instability to help guide its clinical application. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of a multicentre THA database of 9,414 patients with preoperative imaging (dynamic spinopelvic radiographs and pelvic CT scans). Several spinopelvic parameter measurements were made by engineers using advanced software including sacral slope (SS), standing anterior pelvic plane tilt (APPT), spinopelvic tilt (SPT), lumbar lordosis (LL), and PI. Lumbar flexion (LF) was determined by change in LL between standing and flexed-seated lateral radiographs. Abnormal pelvic mobility was defined as ∆SPT ≥ 20° between standing and flexed-forward positions. Sagittal spinal deformity (SSD) was defined as PI-LL mismatch > 10°. RESULTS: PI showed a positive correlation with parameters of SS, SPT, and LL (r-value range 0.468 to 0.661). Patients with a higher PI value showed higher degrees of standing LL, likely as a compensatory measure to maintain sagittal spine balance. There was a positive correlation between LL and LF such that patients with less standing LL had decreased LF (r = 0.49). Similarly, there was a positive correlation between increased SSD and decreased LF (r = 0.54). PI in isolation did not show any significant correlation with lumbar (r = 0.04) or pelvic mobility (r = 0.02). The majority of patients (range 89.4% to 94.2%) had normal lumbar and pelvic mobility regardless of the PI value. CONCLUSION: The PI value alone is not indicative of either spinal or pelvic mobility, and thus in isolation may not be a risk factor for THA instability. Patients with SSD had higher rates of spinopelvic stiffness, which may be the mechanism by which PI relates to THA instability risk, but further clinical studies are required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):352-358.

The effect of varus stem placement on joint offset during total hip arthroplasty: a virtual study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: With total hip replacement (THR), varus alignment of an uncemented stem will increase offset which can have significant detrimental effects on muscular balance, leg length and overall satisfaction. Thus, we used 3D planning software to determine the change in joint offset with increasing varus stem placement. METHODS: Eight patients undergoing THR had routine computed tomography (CT) scans to allow for 3D hip planning. Each set of CTs was templated with a straight stem and an uncemented acetabular cup. Initial templating was performed to reproduce native leg length and offset. The templated stem was then rotated into varus at 1° intervals, up to 6° varus while offset changes for all varus positions were noted. This was repeated for each of 3 neck angles, 125°, 135° and 135° lateral and for each stem sizes 1, 3, 5 and 7. RESULTS: Overall, there was a mean 1.5 mm increase in offset for every 1° of varus. The stems with a 125° neck angle had the greatest increase in mean offset at 1.6 mm for every 1° of varus. The stem neck angles of 135° lateral offset and 135° standard offset, had a mean increase in offset of 1.5 mm and 1.4 mm respectively for every 1° of varus. A greater mean increase in offset for every 1° of varus was observed with increasing stem size. CONCLUSIONS: We have quantified the relationship between alignment and offset with every 1° of varus placement increasing hip offset for straight stems by 1.5 mm. This can be used as a guide for surgeons during THR so that they have a better quantitative understanding of how varus placement of the stem affects the hip offset.

Spinopelvic mobility affects accuracy of acetabular anteversion measurements on cross-table lateral radiographs.

AIMS: Cross-table lateral (CTL) radiographs are commonly used to measure acetabular component anteversion after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The CTL measurements may differ by > 10° from CT scan measurements but the reasons for this discrepancy are poorly understood. Anteversion measurements from CTL radiographs and CT scans are compared to identify spinopelvic parameters predictive of inaccuracy. METHODS: THA patients (n = 47; 27 males, 20 females; mean age 62.9 years (SD 6.95)) with preoperative spinopelvic mobility, radiological analysis, and postoperative CT scans were retrospectively reviewed. Acetabular component anteversion was measured on postoperative CTL radiographs and CT scans using 3D reconstructions of the pelvis. Two cohorts were identified based on a CTL-CT error of ≥ 10° (n = 11) or < 10° (n = 36). Spinopelvic mobility parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests. Correlation between error and mobility parameters were assessed with Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS: Patients with CTL error > 10° (10° to 14°) had stiffer lumbar spines with less mean lumbar flexion (38.9°(SD 11.6°) vs 47.4° (SD 13.1°); p = 0.030), different sagittal balance measured by pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (5.9° (SD 18.8°) vs -1.7° (SD 9.8°); p = 0.042), more pelvic extension when seated (pelvic tilt -9.7° (SD 14.1°) vs -2.2° (SD 13.2°); p = 0.050), and greater change in pelvic tilt between supine and seated positions (12.6° (SD 12.1°) vs 4.7° (SD 12.5°); p = 0.036). The CTL measurement error showed a positive correlation with increased CTL anteversion (r = 0.5; p = 0.001), standing lordosis (r = 0.23; p = 0.050), seated lordosis (r = 0.4; p = 0.009), and pelvic tilt change between supine and step-up positions (r = 0.34; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Differences in spinopelvic mobility may explain the variability of acetabular anteversion measurements made on CTL radiographs. Patients with stiff spines and increased compensatory pelvic movement have less accurate measurements on CTL radiographs. Flexion of the contralateral hip is required to obtain clear CTL radiographs. In patients with lumbar stiffness, this movement may extend the pelvis and increase anteversion of the acetabulum on CTL views. Reliable analysis of acetabular component anteversion in this patient population may require advanced imaging with a CT scan. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):59-65.

The Effect of a Degenerative Spine and Adverse Pelvic Mobility on Prosthetic Impingement in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Despite the placement of acetabular components in the traditional "safe-zone", dislocations and all parts of the instability spectrum, including impingement, continue to be an issue. Recent research has established the importance of a degenerative spine and adverse pelvic mobility on functional acetabular orientation. The purpose of this study is to quantify the clinical consequences of a degenerative spine and adverse pelvic mobility on prosthetic impingement in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2019, a series of 1592 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty had functional lateral radiographs and a computed tomography scan taken. Two spinal parameters and 2 pelvic mobility parameters were investigated for their association with impingement. Each patient was evaluated for anterior and posterior impingement, at all orientations within a traditional supine safe zone and a patient-specific functional safe zone. RESULTS: Patients with limited lumbar flexion (stiff spine), higher pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (sagittal imbalance), and more anterior pelvic mobility from stand to flexed-seated, exhibit increased anterior impingement. Patients with larger posterior pelvic mobility from supine-to-stand exhibited increased posterior impingement. Impingement was reduced 3-fold when the target cup orientation was tailored to a patient's functional safe zone rather than a generic target. Six percent of patients showed unavoidable impingement even with an optimized functional cup orientation. CONCLUSION: Our results support growing evidence that patients with a degenerative spine and adverse pelvic mobility are likely to have unfavorable functional cup orientations, resulting in prosthetic impingement. Preoperative functional radiographic screening is recommended to assess the likelihood of a patient experiencing impingement due to their unique spinopelvic mobility.

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Adverse Spinopelvic Mobility Among Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Patients with adverse spinopelvic mobility have higher complication rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Risk factors include a stiff lumbar spine, standing posterior pelvic tilt ≤ -10°, and a severe sagittal spinal deformity (pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch ≥20°). The purpose of this study is to define the spinopelvic risk factors and quantify the prevalence of risk factors for pathologic spinopelvic mobility. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis from January 2014 to February 2020 was performed on a multicenter series of 9414 primary THAs by 168 surgeons, all with preoperative spinopelvic measurements in the supine, standing, and flex-seated positions. All patients were included. The prevalence of adverse spinopelvic mobility and frequency of each spinopelvic risk factor was calculated. RESULTS: The cohort was 52% female, 48% male, with an average age of 65 years. Thirteen percent of patients exhibited adverse spinopelvic mobility and 17% had one or more of the 3 risk factors. Adverse mobility was found in 35% of patients with at least 1 risk factor, 47% with at least 2 risk factors, and 57% with all 3 risk factors. CONCLUSION: Forty-six percent of patients had spinopelvic pathology driven by one or more of the risk factors. Number of risk factors present and risk of adverse spinopelvic mobility were positively correlated, with 57% of patients with all 3 risk factors exhibiting adverse spinopelvic mobility. Although this study defines the prevalence of these risk factors in this highly selected cohort, it does not report incidence in a general THA population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.