Abstract
Introduction
After total hip arthroplasty, dislocation is one of the most frequent serious early complications. This occurs in part due to impingement (catching and leverage of the neck-cup on the inlay/cup border). Impingement may also negatively impact long-term outcomes.
Materials and Methods
A preliminary model for an optimised hip endoprosthesis system was developed to offer a mechanical solution to avoid impingement and dislocation. A computer-supported range of motion simulation using parameters of cup anteversion and inclination as well as torsion and CCD shaft angle was then performed to localise areas of anterior and posterior impingement of typical acetabular cups.
Results
Through isolation of the two main trajectories of motion, and modifications with corresponding gaps to the inlay/cup areas as well as oppositional banking in the abduction/adduction plane, the combination of a snap-fit acetabular cup with reduced cup profile was the result: the “bidirectional total hip prosthesis.”
Under standardised parameters, the ranges of impingement for typical implants are not directly opposite one another (at 180°), but are found instead at an angle of 108.3°.
Conclusion
Complications such as dislocation and impingement may possibly be avoided with the bidirectional total hip prosthesis. Typical implantation parameters yield an implant design with rotational asymmetry. [Fig. 1, 2]
