Abstract
Introduction
Cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an important variable for short and long term durability of any hip implant. This novel method utilises internal and external bony landmarks, and the transverse acetabular ligament for positioning the acetabular component.
Methods
The cup is placed parallel and superior to the transverse ligament and inside the anterior wall notch of the true acetabulum, and then adjusted for femoral version and pelvic tilt, fixed obliquity, and transverse rotational deformity based on weight bearing pre-operative radiographs.
Seventy consecutive THRs (68 patients) were performed using the above technique. The cup radiographic and functional anteversion and abduction angle were measured on post-operative weight bearing pelvic radiographs using EBRA software.
Results
The mean follow-up was 8.1 ± 2.4 months (4.3 – 11.8 months). There were no dislocations. The mean anteversion and abduction angle was 41.8 degrees ± 4.6 degrees and 18.5 degrees ± 4.4 degrees, respectively. In 3 hips, the radiographic abduction angle was slightly outside the safe zone of Lewinnek as measured based on the inter-teardrop line. However, when using a weight bearing AP pelvis radiograph to measure functional abduction angle using a horizontal line as a reference, they were all within the normal range.
Discussion and Conclusion
The proposed technique utilises intra- and extra-articular bony landmarks, allows for adjustment for lumbosacral angle, abnormal femoral anteversion, and excessive acetabular version. The proposed technique is a reproducible and accurate method for cup placement with posterior exposure.
