Abstract
Introduction
A comprehensive understanding of pelvic orientation prior to total hip arthroplasty is necessary to allow proper cup positioning and mitigate the risks of complications associated with component malpositioning. Measurements using anteroposterior (AP) radiographs have been described as effective means of accurately predicting pelvic orientation. The purpose of our study was to describe the inter- and intra-observer reliability and predictive accuracy of predicting pelvic tilt using AP radiographs.
Methods
Five fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons independently analyzed pelvic tilt, within 10 degrees, for 50 different AP pelvis radiographs. All surgeons were blinded to patient information, diagnosis, and correct measurements prior to analysis. Responses were then compared to correct measurements using sitting-standing AP and lateral stereoradiographs.
Results
The average correct predictive value of pelvic tilt between all surgeons was 54%. The intra-observer accuracy of predicting pelvic tilt ranged from 48% to 64%.
Discussion
Pelvic tilt cannot be accurately predicted using anteroposterior radiographs. Pre-operative evaluation of pelvic parameters requires multiple views for detailed assessment. Therefore, lateral radiographs are required for accurate prediction of pelvic tilt.
