Anterior-posterior (AP) x-rays are routinely taken following total hip replacement to assess placement and orientation of implanted components. Pelvic orientation at the time of an AP x-ray can influence projected implant orientation. 1. However, the extent of pelvic orientation varies between patients. 2. Without compensation for patient specific pelvic orientation, misleading measurements for implant orientation may be obtained. These measurements are used as indicators for post-operative dislocation stability and range of motion. Errors in which could result in differences between expectations and the true outcome achieved. The aim of this research was to develop a tool that could be utilised to determine pelvic orientation from an AP x-ray. An algorithm based on comparing projections of a statistical shape model of the pelvis (n=20) with the target X-ray was developed in MATLAB. For each iteration, the average shape was adjusted, rotated (to account for patient-specific pelvic orientation), projected onto a 2D plane, and the simulated outline determined. With respect to rotation, the pelvis was allowed to rotate about its transverse axis (pelvic flexion/extension) and anterior-posterior axis (pelvic adduction/abduction). Minimum root mean square error between the outline of the pelvis from the X-ray and the projected shape model outline was used to select final values for flexion and adduction. To test the algorithm, virtual X-rays (n=6) of different pelvis in known orientations were created using the algorithm described by Freud et al. 3. The true pelvic orientation for each case was randomly generated. Angular error was defined as the difference between the true pelvic orientation and that selected by the algorithm. Initial testing has exhibited similar accuracy in determining true pelvic flexion (x̄error = 2.74°, σerror=±2.21°) and true pelvic adduction (x̄error = 2.38°, σerror=±1.76°). For both pelvic flexion and adduction the maximum angular error observed was 5.62°. The minimum angular error for pelvic flexion was 0.37°, whilst for pelvic adduction it was 1.08°. Although the algorithm is still under development, the low mean, maximum, and standard deviations of error from initial testing indicate the approach is promising. Ongoing work will involve the use of additional landmarks for registration and training shapes to improve the shape model. This tool will allow surgeons to more accurately determine true acetabular orientation relative to the pelvis without the use of additional x-ray views or CT scans. In turn, this will help improve diagnoses of post-operative range of motion and dislocation stability

Introduction

Accurate and reproducible cup positioning is one the most important technical factors that affects outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although Lewinnek's safe zone is the most accepted range for anteversion and abduction angles socket orientation, the effect of fixed lumbosacral spine on pelvic tilt and obliquity is not yet established.

Questions:

Introduction. In total hip arthroplasty, a high radiographic inclination angle (RI) of the acetabular component has been linked to short- and long-term complications. There are several factors that lead to RI outliers including cup version, pelvic orientation and angle of the cup introducer relative to the floor. The primary aim of this study was to analyse what increases the risk of having a cup with an RI outside the target zone when controlling cup orientation with a digital inclinometer. Methods. In this prospective study, we included 200 consecutive patients undergoing uncemented primary THA in the lateral decubitus position using a posterior approach. Preoperatively, the surgeon determined the target intraoperative inclination (IOI. target. ). The intra-operative inclination of the cup (IOI. cup. ) was measured with the aid of a digital inclinometer after seating of the acetabular component. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were made to measure the RI of the acetabular component. The target zones were defined as 30°-45° and 35°-45° of RI. The operative inclination relative to the sagittal plane of the pelvis (OI. math. ) was calculated based on the radiographic inclination and anteversion angle. The difference between two outcome measures was expressed as Δ. Results. The mean RI was 37.9° SD 4.7, there were 12 cases with RI outside the 30°– 45° zone (6%) and 53 outliers (26.5%) with RI outside the 35°-45° zone. The mean absolute ΔIOI. cup. -IOI. target. was 1.2° SD 1.0. The absolute ΔIOI. cup. -IOI. target. was less than 1° in 108 patients (54%), less than 2° in 160 patients (80%), less than 3° in 186 patients (93%), and in 14 patients (7%) the difference was 3°-5°. The mean pelvic motion (ΔOI. math. -IOI. cup. ) was 8.8° SD 3.9 (95% CI 8.2° to 9.3°). The absolute deviation from the mean ΔOI. math. -IOI. cup. , which corresponds with the amount of pelvic motion, was significantly higher in RI outliers compared with non-outliers for both the 30°-45° and 35°-45° inclination zone (7.4° SD 3.3 vs 2.8° SD 2.1 and 4.7° SD 2.8 vs 2.5° SD 2.0 respectively) (p<0.0001). A linear regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between ΔOI. math. -IOI. cup. and the RI of the cup (r. 2. =0.70; P<0.0001). A multiple regression was run to predict ΔOI. math. -IOI. cup. from gender, BMI, side and hip circumference. These variables statistically significantly predicted ΔOI. math. -OIa. cup. , F(4, 195) = 19,435, p<0.0001, R2 = 0.285, but only side (p=0.04) and hip circumference (p<0.0001) added statistically significantly to the prediction. Discussion and Conclusion. When using a digital inclinometer 94% of cups had a RI within a 30°-45° zone and 73.5% of cups within a 35°-45° zone using a predefined IOI. target. based on the patient's hip circumference. The difference between the IOI. target. and the IOI. cup. of the acetabular component was less than 3° in 93% and less than 5° in all patients signifying that the surgeons were able to implant the cup close to their chosen intra-operative orientation. Deviation from the mean ΔOI. math. -IOI. cup. was significantly bigger in the RI outliers indicating that RI outliers were caused by more or less than deviation of the sagittal plane of the pelvis at time of cup impaction

Pelvic tilt (PT) is always described as the pelvic orientation along the transverse axis, yet four PT definitions were established based on different radiographic landmarks: anterior pelvic plane (PT. a. ), the centres of femoral heads and sacral plate (PT. m. ), pelvic outlet (PT. h. ), and sacral slope (SS). These landmarks quantify a similar concept, yet understanding of their relationships is lacking. Some studies referred to the words “pelvic tilt” for horizontal comparisons, but their PT definitions might differ. There is a demand for understanding their correlations and differences for education and research purposes. This study recruited 105 sagittal pelvic radiographs (68 males and 37 females) from a single clinic awaiting their hip surgeries. Hip hardware and spine pathologies were examined for sub-group analysis. Two observers annotated four PTs in a gender-dependent manner and repeated it after six months. The linear regression model and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied with a 95% significance interval. The SS showed significant gender differences and the lowest correlations to the other parameters in the male group (-0.3< r <0.2). The correlations of SS in scoliosis (n = 7) and hip implant (female, n = 18) groups were statistically different, yet the sample sizes were too small. PT. m. demonstrated very strong correlation to PT. h. (r > 0.9) under the linear model PT. m. = 0.951 × PT. h. - 68.284. The PT. m. and PT. h. are interchangeable under a simple linear regression model, which enables study comparisons between them. In the male group, SS is more of a personalised spinal landmark independent of the pelvic anatomy. Female patients with hip implant may have more static spinopelvic relationships following a certain pattern, yet a deeper study using a larger dataset is required. The understanding of different PTs improves anatomical education

The variables involved in a robotic THA can exceed 52: many parameters as pelvic orientation with CT scan, templating, offset, and leg-length, acetabular reaming, femoral osteotomy, mapping the anatomy; predefining safe zones, robotic execution, femoral head size, thickness of PE etc. with several variables for each parameter, with a total number of variables exceeding 52. This familiar number is the number of cards in a standard deck. The number of possible combinations (factorial 52! = 10^67) to shuffle the cards (and may be to perform a THA) is greater than the number of atoms on earth! Thinking that artificial intelligence and robotics can solve these problems, some surgeons and implant manufacturers have turned to artificial intelligence and robotics. We asked two questions:1) can robot with artificial intelligence really process 52 variables that represent 10^67 combinations? 2) the safety of the technology was ascertained by interrogating Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database about software-related recalls in computer-assisted and robotic arthroplasty [1], between 2017 and 2022. 1). The best computers can only calculate around 100 thousand billion combinations (10^14), and with difficulty: it takes more than 100 days to arrive at this number of digits (10^14) after the decimal point for the number π (pi). We can, therefore, expect the robot to be imperfect. 2). For the FDA software-related recalls, 4634 units were involved. The FDA determined root causes were: software design (66.6%), design change (22.2%), manufacturing deployment (5.6%), design manufacturing process (5.6%). Among the manufacturers’ reasons for recalls, a specific error was declared in 88.9%. a coding error in 43.8%. 94.4% software-related recalls were classified as class 2. Return of the device was the main action taken by firms (44.4%), followed by software update (38.9%). 3). In the same period, no robot complained about its surgeon!. Hip surgeon is as intelligent as a robot and almost twice as safe

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

The pelvis is known to undergo significant movement during Total Hip Replacement (THR). We developed a 4D-tracking device employing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track changes in pelvic orientation during THR. The IMU was mounted on the iliac crest in 39 cases with tracking initiated at the commencement of surgery and digital logging of significant intra-operative milestones (i.e. acetabular impaction). The system was validated by videoing a select number of cases and the 4D model linked in real-time. Data were processed using a custom Java-based infrastructure to calculate roll (left/right) and tilt (flexion/extension). 19 patients underwent direct anterior approach (DAA) and 20 posterior approach (PA). Comparing DAA to PA, at acetabular impaction there was mean pelvic roll seen of 3.7°(range 0.5–10.1°) in the DAA group, and 5.6°(range 0.1–16.2°) in the PA group. Mean tilt in the DAA group was 3.7°(range: 0.2–7.1°) and in the PA group was 1.7°(range: 0.2–4.3°). Mean BMI in the DAA group was 25.2(range: 18.4–34.2) and 29.1(range: 21.5–42.4). There was no direct correlation between BMI and the amount of roll or tilt recorded for individual patients. The IMU tracking device provided a useful and real-time method of assessing pelvic orientation during THR via both the DAA and posterior approach. Specific variations in tilt and roll are consistent with previous literature. Significant variation in the pattern of pelvic movement was noted to be dependent on the approach and the position of the patient on the operating table

The sagittal orientation of the pelvis commonly called pelvic tilt has an effect on the orientation of the cup in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Pelvic tilt is different between individuals and changes during activities of daily living. In particular the pelvic tilt in standing position should be considered during the planning of THA to adapt the target angles of the cup patient-specifically to minimise wear and the risk of dislocation. Methods to measure pelvic tilt require an additional step in the planning process, may be time consuming and require additional devices or x-ray imaging. In this study the relationship between three functional parameters describing the sagittal pelvic orientation in standing position and seven morphological parameters of the pelvis was investigated. Correlations might be used to estimate the pelvic tilt in standing position by the morphology of the pelvis in order to avoid additional measuring techniques of pelvic tilt in the planning process of THA. For 18 subjects a semi-automatic process was established to match a 3D-reconstruction of the pelvis from CT scans to orthogonal EOS imaging in standing position and to calculate the morphological and functional parameters of the pelvis subsequently. The two strongest correlations of the linear correlation analysis were observed between morphological pelvic incidence and functional sacral slope (r = 0.78; p = 0.0001) and between morphological pubic symphysis-posterior superior iliac spines-ratio and functional tilt of anterior pelvic plane (r = −0.59; p = 0.0098). The results of this study suggest that patient-specific adjustments to the orientation of the cup in planning of THA without additional measurement of the sagittal pelvic orientation in standing position should be based on the correlation between morphological pelvic incidence and functional sacral slope

Introduction: Recently, the correct interpretation of anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs has regained increased attention, particularly in the field of joint preserving hip surgery. The diagnosis of acetabular retroversion associated with femoroacetabular impingement or hip dysplasia is made regardless the individual pelvic orientation due to the lack of a method of correction. Furthermore, it is known that a substantial number of the most common radiographical hip parameters can vary with the individual pelvic orientation. The goal of the study was to evaluate which parameter can be measured accurately on an AP radiograph. Methods: Digital AP pelvic radiographs of 100 consecutive hips were used for evaluation. The blinded and randomized x-rays were examined by two independent observers with special software that has been validated previously. The software is able to correct the projected acetabular rim and the associated parameters for pelvic malpositioning. The following parameters were investigated: femoral head coverage in craniocaudal and anteroposterior direction (in total and for each single quadrant of the femoral head), the lateral center edge angle, the acetabular index, the ACM-angle, the extrusion index, the cross-over sign, the retroversion index, and the posterior wall sign. All parameters were first measured regardless to the individual tilt and rotation. These non-standardized values were then compared to the standardized values for a neutral pelvic orientation. This was defined with a pelvic inclination of 60 degrees which was detected with one single strong lateral pelvic radiograph. Results: There were no differences in evaluation of the radiographs between the two observers concerning the significance of standardized and non-standardized values for the measured features. All but three parameters were significantly different when measured to the anatomically reference neutral orientation. The only parameters that did not change after standardization were the total femoral coverage, the acetabular index and the ACM. Discussion: Except from the ACM and the acetabular index, basically all parameters change when standardized to a neutral orientation. Although from a statistical point of view, the total craniocaudal femoral coverage did not change, it is likely that this is due to an inverse effect of the anterior and posterior part of the acetabulum. We conclude that the most common hip parameters can not be reliably measured without standardization. It remains to be proven that the standardization of the parameters correlates with the clinical symptoms

INTRODUCTION. Dislocation is one of the most frequent complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA), affecting an estimated 1% to 5% of THA patients. Malposition of the acetabular cup is thought to be a likely contributor. As the field searches for solutions, new experimental methods can help engineers, scientists, and surgeons better understand the problem as well as evaluate novel techniques and products. OBJECTIVES. Create a laboratory simulation to assess patient positioning and pelvic motion during THA. Apply this simulation to assess (1) variation in patient positioning; (2) various methods to identify the pelvic plane via palpated anatomic landmarks. METHODS. A patient surrogate was developed to recreate patient-like modality, palpation, and motion, especially focusing on the spine's influence on pelvic flexion and rotation. Five different registration methods were evaluated (3 supine, 2 lateral decubitus). An ASIS-to-ASIS measurement was always used in calculations. The other axes measured were: 1) supine/trunk; 2) supine/ASIS-to-Pubis; 3) supine/neutral femoral axis; 4) LD/spine; and 5) LD/trunk. Three infrared LED markers were attached to the iliac spine of the surrogate's pelvis and monitored with an Optotrak Certus motion-tracking camera (Northern Digital). A second sensor was mounted to the top of a patient positioner (Innomed) to measure the orientation of the pelvis relative to the positioner. A third sensor was mounted to a set of calipers, which were aligned with anatomic landmarks during registration. To compare results from registration methods, a reference orientation of the pelvis was recorded by digitizing landmarks comprising the anterior pelvic plane (APP). The APP is the plane created by three points: the left ASIS, right ASIS, and midpoint of pubic tubercles. Theoretical pelvic orientation was calculated using these digitized points. The vectors generated from the gross anatomic registration steps were used to calculate the measured orientation of the pelvis compared to theoretical. The rotation, or error, matrix between theoretical and measured pelvic orientations was computed and then projected on an APP coordinate system to translate the error matrix to cup inclination and version. RESULTS. Inter- and intra-operator variability was good for most registration methods. The error in cup orientation when compared to the Lewinnek zone is promising. Of the 92 registrations, 91 (99%) were within the Lewinnek abduction range (30°–50°), 80 (87%) were within the Lewinnek version range (5°–25°), and 79 (85%) were within the range for both. When only considering the supine trunk and ASIS-pubis registrations, all 37 calculated cup orientations were within the Lewinnek zone. CONCLUSIONS. By aligning an instrument with rigid body markers along two vectors, operators were able to create a patient coordinate system that translated to error of cup inclination and version of only a few degrees from the theoretical target. The laboratory simulation developed in this study will aid scientists and engineers in evaluating novel patient positioning solutions for THA. While further research with more operators and perhaps cadaveric tissue is warranted to confirm these results, there is promise that a simple and intuitive patient registration method may reduce variation in cup placement during THA

Purpose. Spinopelvic parameters are associated with the development of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement and subsequent osteoarthritis. Pelvic incidence (PI) characterizes the sagittal profile of the pelvis and is important in the regulation of both lumbar lordosis and pelvic orientation (i.e. tilt). The purpose of this imaging-based study was to test the association between PI and acetabular morphology. Methods. Measurements of the pelvis and acetabulum were performed for 96 control patients and 29 hip dysplasia patients using 3D-computed topography (3D-CT) scans. Using previously validated measurements the articular cartilage and cotyloid fossa area of the acetabulum, functional acetabular version/inclination, acetabular depth, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and PI were calculated. Non-parametric statistical tests were used; significance was set at p<0.05. Results. Of the 125 scans analyzed in this study, 65% were females and the average age was 24.8±6.0 years old. Thirty-six (14.4%) hips had acetabular retroversion; 178 (71.2%) had normal acetabular version; and 36 (14.4%) had high acetabular anteversion. Acetabular version moderately correlated with pelvic incidence; (Sρearman= 0.4; p<0.001). Patients with acetabular retroversion had significantly lower PI (44.2. °. ; 95% CI 41.0–47.4. °. ), compared to those with normal acetabular version (49.4. °. ; 95% CI 47.8–51.0. °. ) (p=0.004). Patients with normal version had significantly lower PI compared to those with high acetabular anteversion (56.4. °. ; 95% CI 52.8–60.0. °. ) (p<0.001). A significant difference in pelvic tilt between the groups (retroversion: 3±7; normal: 9±6; high version: 17±7) (p<0.001) was noted. Acetabular depth inversely and weakly correlated with pelvic incidence (ρ= −0.2; p=0.001). No other of the acetabular parameter correlated with the spinopelvic parameters tested. Conclusion. This is the first study to demonstrate the association between PI and functional acetabular version using 3D-CT scans. The results of this study illustrate the importance of PI as a descriptor of both pelvic and acetabular morphology and function

Objectives. The spinopelvic relationship (including pelvic incidence) has been shown to influence pelvic orientation, but its potential association with femoroacetabular impingement has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this study was to prove the hypothesis that decreasing pelvic incidence is associated with increased risk of cam morphology. Methods. Two matching cohorts were created from a collection of cadaveric specimens with known pelvic incidences: 50 subjects with the highest pelvic incidence (all subjects > 60°) and 50 subjects with the lowest pelvic incidence (all subjects < 35°). Femoral version, acetabular version, and alpha angles were directly measured from each specimen bilaterally. Cam morphology was defined as alpha angle > 55°. Differences between the two cohorts were analysed with a Student’s t-test and the difference in incidence of cam morphology was assessed using a chi-squared test. The significance level for all tests was set at p < 0.05. Results. Cam morphology was identified in 47/100 (47%) femurs in the cohort with pelvic incidence < 35° and in only 25/100 (25%) femurs in the cohort with pelvic incidence > 60° (p = 0.002). The mean alpha angle was also greater in the cohort with pelvic incidence < 35° (mean 53.7°, . sd. 10.7° versus mean 49.7°, . sd. 10.6°; p = 0.008). Conclusions. Decreased pelvic incidence is associated with development of cam morphology. We propose a novel theory wherein subjects with decreased pelvic incidence compensate during gait (to maintain optimal sagittal balance) through anterior pelvic tilt, creating artificial anterior acetabular overcoverage and recurrent impingement that increases risk for cam morphology. Cite this article: W. Z. Morris, C. A. Fowers, R. T. Yuh, J. J. Gebhart, M. J. Salata, R. W. Liu. Decreasing pelvic incidence is associated with greater risk of cam morphology. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:387–392. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0028.R1

Introduction. Acetabular component orientation is an important determinant of outcome following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although surgeons aim to achieve optimal cup orientation, many studies demonstrate their inability to consistently achieve this. Factors that contribute are pelvic orientation and the surgeon's ability to correctly orient the cup at implantation. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy with which surgeons can achieve cup orientation angles. Methods. In this in vitro study using a calibrated left and right sawbone hemipelvis model, participants (n=10) were asked to place a cup mounted on its introducer giving different targets. Measurements of cup orientation were made using a stereophotogrammetry protocol to measure radiographic inclination and operative anteversion (OA). A digital inclinometer was used to measure the intra-operative inclination (IOI) which is the angle of the cup introducer relative to the floor. First, the participant stated his or her preferred IOI and OA and positioned the cup accordingly. Second, the participant had to position the cup parallel to the anteversion of the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL). Third, the participant had to position the cup at IOI angles of 35°, 40° and 45°. Fourth, the participant used the mechanical alignment guide (45° of IOI and 30° of OA) to orient the cup. Each task was analysed separately and subgroup analysis included left versus right side and hip surgeons versus non-hip surgeons. Results. For the first task, hip surgeons preferred smaller IOI and larger OA than non-hip surgeons, but there was no significant difference in accuracy between both groups. When aiming for TAL, both surgeon groups performed similar, but accuracy on the non-dominant side was significantly better compared with the dominant side (mean deviation 0.6° SD 2.4 versus −2.6° SD 2.3) (p=0.004). When aiming for a specific IOI target of 35°, 40° or 45°, non-hip surgeons outperformed hip surgeons (mean deviation form target IOI 1.9° SD 2.7 versus −3.1° SD 3.8) (p<0.0001) with less variance (p=0.03). Contrary to version, accuracy on the dominant side was significantly better compared with the non-dominant side (mean deviation −0.4° SD 3.4 versus −2.1° SD 4.8). When using a mechanical guide, surgeons performed similar (0.6° SD 1.2 versus −0.4° SD 2.1 for inclination p=0.11 and −0.5° SD 2.6 versus −1.8° SD 3.3 for version p=0.22) and these values did not differ significantly from the actual IOI and OA of the mechanical guide. When using a mechanical guide, there was no difference in accuracy between the dominant and non-dominant side. Conclusion. There was no difference in accuracy between hip surgeons and non-hip surgeons when they aimed for their preferred IOI and OA or used a mechanical guide. When aiming for a specific IOI target, non-hip surgeons outperformed hip surgeons. Hip surgeons overestimate IOI and underestimate OA, presumably because this helps to achieve the desired radiographic cup orientation. Regarding accuracy, the non-dominant side was better for version and the dominant side for inclination. When aiming for a specific IOI and OA target, using a mechanical guide is significantly better than freehand cup orientation

Anteroposterior (AP) radiographs remain the standard of care for pre- and post-operative imaging during total hip arthroplasty (THA), despite known limitation of plain films, including the inability to adequately account for distortion caused by variations in pelvic orientation. Of specific interest to THA surgeons are distortions associated with pelvic tilt, as unaccounted for tilt can significantly alter radiographic measurements of cup position. Several authors have proposed methods for correcting for pelvic tilt on radiographs but none have proven reliable in a THA population. The purpose of our study was to develop a method for correcting pelvic tilt on AP radiographs in patients undergoing primary or revision THA. CT scans from 20 patients/cadaver specimens (10 male, 10 female) were used to create 3D renderings, from which synthetic radiographs of each pelvis were generated (Figure 1). For each pelvis, 13 synthetic radiographs were generated, showing the pelvis at between −30° and 30° of pelvic tilt, in 5° increments. On each image, 8 unique parameters/distances were measured to determine the most appropriate parameters for calculation of pelvic tilt (Figure 2). The most reliable and accurate of these parameters was determined via regression analysis and used to create gender-specific nomograms from which pelvic tilt measurements could be calculated (Figure 3). The accuracy and reliability of the nomograms and correction method were subsequently validated using both synthetic radiographs (n=50) and stereoradiographic images (n=58). Of 8 parameters measured, the vertical distance between the superior margin of the pubic symphysis and the transischial line (PSTI) was determined to be the most reliable (r=−0.96, ICC=0.94). Mean tilt calculated from synthetic radiographs (0.6°±18.6°) correlated very strongly (r=0.96) with mean known tilt (0.5°±17.9°, p=0.98). Mean pelvic tilt calculated from AP EOS images (3.2°±9.9°) correlated strongly (r=0.77) with mean tilt measured from lateral EOS images (3.8°±8.2°, p=0.74). No gender differences were noted in mean tilt measurements in synthetic images (p=0.98) or EOS images (p=0.45). Our method of measuring PSTI and POD on AP images and applying these measurements to nomograms provides a validated and reliable method for estimating the degree of pelvic tilt on AP radiographs during THA. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs are the standard tool used for pre-operative planning and post-operative evaluation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The accuracy of this imaging modality is, however, limited by errors in pelvic orientation and image distortion. Pelvic obliquity is corrected for by orienting measurements to a reference line such as the interteardrop line or the interischial line, while several methods for correcting for pelvic tilt have been suggested, with varying levels of success. To date, no reliable method for correcting for pelvic rotation on pelvic imaging is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel method for correcting pelvic rotation on a standard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) scans from 10 male cadavers and 10 female THA patients were segmented using 3D Slicer and used to create 3D renderings for each pelvis. Synthetic AP radiographs were subsequently created from the 3D renderings, using XRaySim. For each pelvis, images representing pelvic rotation of 30° left to 30° right, at 5° increments were created. Four unique parameters based on pelvic landmarks were used to develop the correction method: i) the horizontal distance from the upper edge of the pubic symphysis to the sacroiliac joint midline (PSSI), ii) the ratio of the horizontal distances from the upper edge of the pubic symphysis to the outer lateral border of both obturator foramina (PSOF), iii) the width ratio of the obturator foramina (OFW) and iv) the ratio of the horizontal distance from each anterior superior iliac spine to the sacroiliac joint midline (ASISSI). The relationships between the chosen parameters and pelvic rotation were investigated using a series of 260 (13 per pelvis) synthetic AP radiographs. Male and female correction equations were generated from the observed relationships. Validation of the equations was done using a different set of 50 synthetic radiographs with known degrees of rotation. In males, the PSSI parameter was most reliable in measuring pelvic rotation. In females, PSOF was most reliable. A high correlation was noted between calculated and true rotation in both males and females (r=0.99 male, r=0.98 female). The mean difference from the male calculated rotation and true rotation value was 0.02°±1.8° while the mean difference from the female calculated rotation and true rotation value was −0.01°±1.5°. Our correction method for pelvic rotation using four pelvic parameters provides a reliable method for correcting pelvic rotation on AP radiographs. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction:. Acetabular cup position is an important factor in successful total hip arthroplasty (THA). Optimal cup placement requires surgeons to possess an accurate perception of pelvic orientation during cup impaction, however, varying pelvic anatomy and limited visual cues in the surgical field may interfere with this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in monitoring pelvic position during THA. Materials & Methods:. Ten patients scheduled to undergo THA were IRB-approved and consented by four surgeons. A small IMU was placed over the patient's sacrum pre-operatively and zeroed in standing position. Pelvic orientation data was streamed and captured wirelessly throughout the procedure. Surgeons were blinded to all data throughout the study period. Prior to cup impaction, the surgeon indicated his intended cup abduction angle and the degree to which the cup impactor was manipulated to compensate for perceived AP pelvic tilt. The degree of pelvic tilt as determined by the IMU (angle β) was then recorded (Figure 1). AP-pelvis radiographs were measured in Martell Hip Analysis Suite post-operatively to calculate the cup abduction angle, which was then compared to the surgeon's intended abduction angle to determine surgeon accuracy. To predict the final cup abduction angle, the degree of pelvic tilt recorded by the IMU (angle β) was subtracted from the abduction angle of the cup impactor (angle α) that was positioned using the OR table as a reference (Figure 1). This value was then compared to the measured post-operative cup abduction angle in order to assess the accuracy of the IMU in measuring pelvic tilt. Surgeon accuracy and IMU accuracy were compared to determine if the IMU was more or less effective than surgeon perception at determining pelvic tilt. Results:. The mean intended abduction angle indicated by the surgeons intraoperatively was 43.7° (range 40°–45°), while the mean measured post-operative abduction angle was 40.1° (range 25.9°–49.4°). In five of the cases, the surgeon's post-operative abduction angle fell within 2° of his intended abduction angle. One cup was placed at a higher than intended abduction angle (4.4°), and four cups were placed in lower than intended abduction angles by an average of 10.8° (range 3.9°–19.1°). Film analysis revealed that surgeons placed the acetabular cup on average 5.4 ± 6.0° from their intended abduction angle (range 0.3°–19.1°). Following analysis of the IMU offset data, it was observed that the IMU deviated on average 3.1 ± 2.6° (range 0.7°–7.2°) from its expected orientation value. The IMU deviated more than 2° from expected pelvic tilt in five cases. Discussion:. The IMU was able to ascertain AP pelvic tilt to a higher degree of accuracy than four surgeons using standard surgical techniques. A system in which the pelvis could be monitored and adjusted intraoperatively based on accurate IMU data would allow the surgeon to place the pelvis in optimal position prior to cup impaction, which could potentially increase overall cup positioning accuracy. More data is needed to confirm these results

Acetabular component malposition is the cause of half of all cases of recurrent hip dislocation. Intraoperative xrays after component insertion are helpful, yet it is certainly more useful to know the exact component position before final component insertion. The current study reviews results of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation. A prospective study of acetabular component positioning using surgical navigation was conducted in 22 hips of 21 patients. The technique involves insertion of a dynamic reference frame onto the pelvis during the surgical exposure and the acquisition of AP fluoroscopic views of each hip. Using the Fluoronav software and the ION surgical navigation system (Medtronics, Louisville, Colorado) a virtual horizontal line was then drawn between the teardrops. Acetabular component abduction was then aimed for 41 degrees. Component abduction was measured intra-operatively during component insertion by measuring the angle between the acetabular insertion handle and the virtual horizontal line between the teardrops. Post-operative xrays were analyzed for acetabular component abduction angle. Using surgical navigation and aiming for 41 degrees of abduction resulted in post-operative cup positions averaging 40.8 degrees (range 37 to 44 degrees). These results show dramatically improved accuracy as compared to 85 acetabular component inserted without navigation showing a mean abduction of 42.8 degrees but with a range of 25 to 59 degrees. Frame placement and image acquisition required about 10 minutes. All intra-operative imaging after component insertion in complex cases was unnecessary. Having the dynamic reference frame in place also allowed assessment of pelvic position during surgery. Pelvic orientation varied greatly between patients on the operating table from about 12 degrees abducted to 12 degrees adducted. Further, pelvic orientation varied during surgery. Surgical navigation allows extremely accurate positioning of the acetabular component at the time of total hip replacement surgery with an accuracy far greater than any study of acetabular component positioning reported in the literature. The pelvis is typically not orthogonal to the operating table during total hip arthroplasty and its position varies widely between patients and in the same patient during the procedure. Since acetabular component malposition represents the cause of half of all cases of recurrent dislocation, surgical navigation has been shown to directly address and potentially eliminate the problem of acetabular component malposition

The key for a successful total hip replacement (THR) and the longevity of the implant is the correct alignment of the acetabular cup which is to be considered as the most critical component. The alignment of the cup is defined with respect to anterior pelvic plane (APP). The APP defines the reference for the anteversion and inclination angles which sets the basis for the correct alignment of the implant. The angle of the plane is created by three distinct anatomical landmarks which are represented by two anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) and the symphysis pubis. The angle of the APP in respect to the coronal plane defines the pelvic tilt (PT) which can be anterior or posterior. The rotation of the pelvis highly depends on the individual anatomy of the subject. This means that a neutral pelvic tilt (PT) in supine position is rarely observed and also may be dissimilar in standing position. In this paper we present a non-invasiveness and cost-effective prototype for measuring the patient-specific PT under the use of a navigated smart-device based ultrasound system for supporting surgery planning. In view of the non-invasiveness method the system can be used to measure pre- and postoperative pelvic orientation. With the use of an artificial hip reference model different cases were measured. The computed results look very promising with a standard deviation of ±1°

Introduction. Radiological inclination (RI) is determined in part by operative inclination (OI), which is defined as the angle between the cup axis or handle and the sagittal plane. In lateral decubitus the theatre floor becomes a surrogate for the pelvic sagittal plane. Critically at the time of cup insertion if the pelvic sagittal plane is not parallel to the floor either because the upper hemi pelvis is internally rotated or adducted, RI can be much greater than expected. We have developed a simple Pelvic Orientation Device (POD) to help achieve a horizontal pelvic sagittal plane. The POD is a 3-sided square with flat footplates that are placed against the patient's posterior superior iliac spines following initial positioning (figure 1). A digital inclinometer is then placed parallel and perpendicular to the patient to give readings of internal rotation and adduction, which can then be corrected. Methods. A model representing the posterior aspect of the pelvis was created. This permitted known movement in two planes to simulate internal rotation and adduction of the upper hemi pelvis, with 15 known pre-set positions. 20 participants tested the POD in 5 random, blinded position combinations, providing 200 readings. The accuracy was measured by subtracting each reading from the known value. Results. 2 statistical outliers were identified and removed from analysis. The mean adduction error was 0.73°. For internal rotation, the mean error was −0.03°. Accuracy within 2.0° was achieved in 176 of 190 (93%) of readings (Table 1). The maximum error was 3.6° for internal rotation and 3.1° for adduction. Conclusion. In a model pelvis the POD provided an accurate and reproducible method of achieving a horizontal sagittal plane. Applied clinically, this simple tool has the potential to reduce the high values of RI sometimes seen following THA in lateral decubitus. For any figures and tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. The resultant cup orientation depends upon the orientation of the pelvis at impaction. No studies to date have assessed whether patient-position during total hip arthroplasty (THA) has an effect on cup orientation. This study aims to 1) Determine the difference in pelvic position that occurs between surgery and radiographic, supine, post-operative assessment; 2) Examine how the difference in pelvic position influences subsequent cup orientation and 3) Establish whether pelvic orientation, and thereafter cup orientation, differences exist between THAs performed in the supine versus the lateral decubitus positions. Patients/Materials & Methods. This is a retrospective, multi-surgeon, single-centre, consecutive series. 321 THAs who had intra-operative, post-cup impaction, AP pelvic radiograph, in the operative position were included; 167 were performed with the patient supine (anterior approach), whilst 154 were performed in the lateral decubitus (posterior approach). Cup inclination/anteversion was measured from intra- and post-operative radiographs and the difference (Δ) was determined. Change in pelvic position (tilt, rotation, obliquity) between surgery and post-operatively was calculated from Δinclination/anteversion using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Results. The mean post-operative inclination and anteversion were 40°±8 and 23°±9 respectively. 74 had either Δ. inclination. and/or Δ. anteversion. ±10° (21%). Intra-operatively (compared to post-operative), the pelvis was on average 4°±10 anteriorly tilted; 1°±10 internally rotated and 1°±5 adducted. Having a Δ. inclination. and/or Δ. anteversion. ±10° was associated with an odds ratio of 3.5 in having a cup orientation outside the target. A greater proportion of cases had Δ. inclination. and/or Δ. anteversion. > ±10° amongst the hips operated in the lateral decubitus (54/153) compared to the supine position (8/167) (p<0.001). The pelvis was significantly more anteriorly tilted (p<0.001) and the hemi-pelvis was significantly more internally rotated intra-operatively in the lateral position (p=0.04) compared to supine. Discussion. Pelvic movement is significantly less in supine position, which leads to more consistent cup orientation. Significant differences in pelvic tilt and rotation were seen in the lateral position, illustrating the difficulties for surgeons to consistently position the pelvis