Abstract
Aims
Our study aimed to 1) Describe the changes in spinopelvic mobility when transitioning from standing, to ‘relaxed-seated’ and thereafter to ‘deep-seated’ position and 2) Determine the change in spinopelvic mobility types 1 year post-THA compared to preoperatively.
Methods
This prospective diagnostic cohort study followed 100 consecutive patients 1 year post-THA. Preoperatively and one year postoperatively, radiographic measurements were performed for the lumbar-lordosis-angle, pelvic tilt and pelvic-femoral-angle on lateral radiographs in the standing, ‘relaxed-seated’ and ‘deep-seated’ position (torso maximally leaning forward). Patients were classified according to their spinopelvic mobility type, according to the change in PT between the standing and relaxed-seated position (stiff:ΔPT<±10°, normal:10°≤ΔPT≤30°, hypermobile:ΔPT>±30°).
Results
Compared to preoperatively, when moving from a standing to a relaxed-seated position, hip flexion increased by 10°±18, leading to less posterior pelvic tilt by 6°±11 and reduced lumbar spine flexion by 6°±11 (all p<0.001).
Similarly, when moving from the standing to deep-seated position, hip flexion improved by a mean of 8°±22, leading to reduced lumbar spine flexion by a mean of 5°±8, whereas the change in pelvic tilt did not change compared to preoperatively (p=0.016, p<0.001, p=0.46).
The distribution of spinopelvic mobility types 1 year postoperatively was significantly different compared to preoperatively, as the percentage of patients with stiff spinopelvic mobility increased from 16% to 43% (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Hip flexion improved by 10° on average 1 year after total hip arthroplasty. Thus, slightly less compensatory posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar spine flexion was needed when taking a relaxed-seated position. When taking a deep-seated position, improved hip flexion required less lumbar spine flexion. However, these changes were small when being compared to preoperative variability of these parameters. Thus, individual spinopelvic mobility remains relatively unchanged 1 year after THA compared to preoperatively.
