The validity of a novel radiological method for measuring femoral stem version on anteroposterior radiographs of the hip after total hip arthroplasty.

Femoral stem version has a major influence on impingement and early post-operative stability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of a novel radiological method for measuring stem version. Anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and three-dimensional CT scans were obtained for 115 patients (female/male 63/72, mean age 62.5 years (50 to 75)) who had undergone minimally invasive, cementless THA. Stem version was calculated from the AP hip radiograph by rotation-based change in the projected prosthetic neck-shaft (NSA*) angle using the mathematical formula ST = arcos [tan (NSA*) / tan (135)]. We used two independent observers who repeated the analysis after a six-week interval. Radiological measurements were compared with 3D-CT measurements by an independent, blinded external institute. We found a mean difference of 1.2° (sd 6.2) between radiological and 3D-CT measurements of stem version. The correlation between the mean radiological and 3D-CT stem torsion was r = 0.88 (p < 0.001). The intra- (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.94) and inter-observer agreement (mean concordance correlation coefficient = 0.87) for the radiological measurements were excellent. We found that femoral tilt was associated with the mean radiological measurement error (r = 0.22, p = 0.02). The projected neck-shaft angle is a reliable method for measuring stem version on AP radiographs of the hip after a THA. However, a highly standardised radiological technique is required for its precise measurement.

[Update on navigation in total knee arthroplasty. Where are we today and what lies in the future?]. / Update Navigation in der Knieendoprothetik. Wo stehen wir heute und was bringt die Zukunft?

BACKGROUND: The implantation of an artificial knee is one of the most common operative interventions in German hospitals. Navigation procedures have developed into an integral component of such interventions in the operating theatres of many clinics. METHODS: For orthopedic surgeons who want to implement an as exact as possible reconstruction of the mechanical leg axis and require intraoperative control of the three dimensional positioning of components and/or the capsular ligament situation, navigation is a well-proven intraoperative tool. The immediate intraoperative control possibility of bone resection and capsular ligament soft tissue balancing means that navigation is a valuable instrument for the biomechanical fundamental understanding in training operations for further education of orthopedic surgeons in training. DEVELOPMENTS: The greater precision obtained by the implementation of the procedure has not yet been conclusively reflected in an improved postoperative knee function or an increased durability of prostheses. New developments in navigated knee prostheses are pinless navigation and navigation kinematics. In pinless navigation the conventional reference marker system fixed in the femur and shin bones is replaced by a non-invasive reference system. With the aid of navigation kinematics it is possible to image the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral movement dynamics, intraoperatively. PERSPECTIVE: The aim of the next generation navigation systems for computer-assisted knee prosthetics is implant positioning aligned to the individual anatomy of patients with high and stable range of movement for optimum patellar guidance and kinematics of the artificial joint.