Abstract
Introduction
Although pelvic tilt does not significantly change after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a short term, can vary over time due to aging and the possible appearence of sagittal spine disorders. Cup positioning relative to the stem can be influenced due to these changes.
Purpose
We assessed the evolution of pelvic tilt and cup position after THA for a minimum follow-up of five years and the possible appearence of complications.
Materials and methods
47 patients underwent same single THA between 2008 and 2012. All were diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis and their mean age was 70.2 years (range, 63 to 75). There were 28 male patients, 19 had a contralateral THA, 17 were studied for lumbar pathology and three were operated for lumbo-sacral fusion. Radiological analysis included sacro- femoral-pubic and acetabular abduction angles on the anteroposterior pelvic view; and cup anteversion angle on the lateral cross-table hip view according to Woo and Morrey. All assessments were done pre-operatively and at 6 weeks, one, two and five years post-operatively. Three measurements were recorded and mean was obtained at all intervals All radiographs were evaluated by the same author, who was not involved in surgery.
Results
There were four dislocations: one early and two contralateral dislocations which were solved wiith closed reduction, and one late recurrent dislocation five years after surgery which required cup revision. No other revision surgeries were performed. Mean sacro-femoral pubic angle decreased at all intervals from 60.6º preoperatively, to 60.0º at one year and 58.8 º at five years. This decrease was more significant in female, 63.3º preoperatively to 59.3º, than in male patients, 58.7º to 58.3º at five years. Mean acetabular abduction angle increased from 47.3º at 6 weeks to 48.2º at five years. Mean cup anteversion increased from 24.3º at 6 weeks to 26.4º at one year and 34.3º at five years.
Conclusions
Posterior pelvic tilt increased with aging over time, particularly in women. These changes increased cup inclination and anteversion which may result in more dislocations after primary THA
