Abstract
Introduction
Computer navigation is a highly sophisticated tool in orthopedic surgery for component placement in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In order to apply it adequately it is of upmost importance that the targets the surgeon is trying to hit are well-defined.
This concept considers all four component orientations: cup inclination (cIncl) and anteversion (cAV), stem antetorsion and neck-to-shaft angle. The optimising goal in this concept is maximising the size of the cSafe-Zone.
Methods
A computerised 3D- model of a total hip prosthesis was used to systematically analyse all combinations of component orientations in automatised batch runs. Component orientations were varied for cup inclination, cup anteversion, neck antetorsion and neck inclination.
Results
The combined Safe-Zone outlines spaces in a 3D-diagram that show the relationship between cup inclination, cup anteversion and neck anteversion, while the neck inclination is used as a curves parameter. These spaces include all component orientation that allow the predefined iROM without prosthetic impingement. In order to compare these results to Lewinnek's recommendation cross-sections were taken at distinct neck antetorsions in 5° intervals.
Conclusion
The new combined Safe-Zone (cSafe-Zone) includes all orientation parameters of both total hip components and such gives well-defined recommendations for combined positioning of both components.
Ideally it can be introduced into a smart computer navigation system in order to compute in real-time the best combined orientation of both components.
