Abstract
Introduction
Optimal implant position is critical to hip stability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent literature points out the importance of the evaluation of pelvic position to optimize cup implantation. The concept of Functional Combined Anteversion (FCA), the sum of acetabular/cup anteversion and femoral/stem neck anteversion in the horizontal plane, can be used to plan and control the setting of a THA in standing position. The main purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the difference between the combined anteversion before and after THA in weight-bearing standing position using EOS 3D reconstructions. A simultaneous analysis of the preoperative lumbo pelvic parameters has been performed to investigate their potential influence on the post-operative reciprocal femoro-acetabular adaptation.
Material and Methods
66 patients were enrolled (unilateral primary THAs). The same mini-invasive anterolateral approach was performed in a lateral decubitus for all cases. None of the patients had any postoperative complications. For each case, EOS full-body radiographs were performed in a standing position before and after unilateral THA. A software prototype was used to assess pelvic parameters (sacral slope, pelvic version, pelvic incidence), acetabular / cup anteversion, femoral /stem neck anteversion and combined anteversion in the patient horizontal functional plane (the frontal reference was defined as the vertical plane passing through centers of the acetabula or cups). Sub-analysis was made, grouping the sample by pelvic incidence (<55°, 55°–65°, >65°) and by pre-operative sacral slope in standing position (<35°, 35°–45°, >45°). Paired t-test was used to compare differences between preoperative and postoperative parameters within each subgroup. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
In the full sample, mean FCA increased postoperatively by 9,3° (39,5° vs 30,2°; p<0.05). In groups with sacral slope < 35° and sacral slope > 45°, postoperative combined anteversion increased significantly by 11,7° and 12,9°, respectively. In the group with pelvic incidence > 65°, postoperative combined anteversion increased significantly by 14,4°. There was no significant change of combined anteversion in the remaining subgroups.
Discussion
In this series the FCA increased after THA, particularly in patients with a low or high sacral slope on the pre-operative evaluation in standing position. This may be related to a greater difficulty for the surgeon in anticipating the postoperative standing orientation of the pelvis in these patients, as they were standardly oriented during surgery (lateral decubitus). Interestingly the combined anteversion was also increased in patients with a high pelvic incidence that is commonly associated with a high sacral slope.
Conclusion
Post-operative increase of anatomical cumulative anteversion has been previously reported using anterior approach. The FCA concept based on EOS 3D reconstructions brings new informations about the reciprocal femoro-acetabular adaptation in standing position. Differences found in combined anteversion before and after the surgery show that a special interest should be given to patients with high pelvic incidence and low or high sacral slope, to optimize THA orientation in standing position.
