Abstract. Optimal acetabular component position in Total Hip Arthroplasty is vital for avoiding complications such as dislocation and impingement, Transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) have been shown to be a reliable landmark to guide optimum acetabular cup position. Reports of iliopsoas impingement caused by acetabular components exist. The Psoas fossa (PF) is not a well-regarded landmark for Component positioning. Our aim was to assess the relationship of the TAL and PF in relation to Acetabular Component positioning. A total of 22 cadavers were implanted on 4 occasions with the an uncemented acetabular component. Measurements were taken between the inner edge of TAL and the base of the acetabular component and the distance between the lower end of the PF and the most medial end of TAL. The distance between the edge of the acetabular component and TAL was a mean of 1.6cm (range 1.4–18cm). The distance between the medial end of TAL and the lowest part of PF was a mean of 1.cm (range 1,3–1.8cm) It was evident that the edge of PF was not aligned with TAL. Optimal acetabular component position is vital to the longevity and outcome following THA. TAL provides a landmark to guide acetabular component position. However we feel the PF is a better landmark to allow appropriate positioning of the acetabular component inside edge of the acetabulum inside the bone without exposure of the component rim and thus preventing iliopsoas impingement at the psoas notch and resultant groin pain

Background. The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) has been described as an anatomic landmark to guide in the positioning of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty. On plain films, the radiographic teardrop (RT) has similarly been utilized as a measure of appropriate cup positioning. The goal of this study is to quantify the distance and location between the anatomic TAL and RT landmarks to aid in the positioning of acetabular component. Methods. Sixteen randomly selected cadaveric pelvises (eight male, eight female) underwent dissection. Radiographic markers were placed bilaterally at the anteromedial insertions of the TAL, and true anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs of the cadavers were obtained. Distances between the markers and the lateral borders of the RT were measured. Results. The mean distance between the anteromedial insertion of the TAL and the lateral border of the RT in the male specimens was 11.8 [99% CI, 11.4 to 12.2] mm. In the female specimens, the TAL to RT distance was shorter, with a mean of 8.4 [99% CI, 7.2 to 9.6] mm. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female cadavers (p<0.01). Conclusions. The distance between the RA and TAL differs between males and females. Understanding the distance between these anatomic and radiographic landmarks should aid surgeons in obtaining a more accurate degree of acetabular component medialization, and can serve as a guide to minimize over-medialization in order to achieve more accurate and reproducible placement of acetabular components during a total hip arthroplasty

Background. Cup inclination is a major factor in the success of a total hip replacement. An open cup position can lead to dislocation or increased wear from rim loading and a closed cup position lead to impingement against the femoral neck or psoas. Although the ideal inclination for cup position is recommended as between 40 and 45 degrees, accurate positioning of the implant might be influenced by pelvic flexion and movement of the patient's pelvis during the procedure. We wanted to examine if the transvers acetabular ligament (TAL) could be used to determine cup inclination intra-operatively. Methods. 16 hips from 9 cadaveric specimens were used for the study. A computer navigation system (Brain lab) was used to measure and document the exact inclination and version of the acetabular trial component in three positions: flush with the transvers acetabular ligament (TAL), with the rim of the cup 5 mm from the TAL in a cranial direction and with the rim of the cup 5 mm caudally displaced. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by the Department of Biostatistics. Findings. With the cup positioned flush with the TAL, the average version was 43 degrees (range 37 to 47 degrees.) When there was a 5 mm gap between the TAL and the cup the average inclination was 28 degrees (21 to 35 degrees.) When the cup was opened so it covered the TAL by 5 mm the average inclination increased to 64 degrees (55 to 75 degrees.) The average anteversion angle was 18 degrees (range 15 to 25 degrees.). Conclusion. We found the transverse acetabular ligament to be an accurate landmark for positioning of the femoral implant as far as version and inclination was concerned. We recommend positioning the acetabular component flush with the TAL as cup inclination was shown to be ideal in all cases when we adhered to that principle. NO DISCLOSURES

Introduction. Malalignment of cup in total hip replacement (THR) increases rates of dislocation, impingement, acetabular migration, pelvic osteolysis, leg length discrepancy and polyethylene wear. Many surgeons orientate the cup in the same anteversion and inclination as the inherent anatomy of the acetabulum. The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) and acetabular rim can be used as a reference. No study has yet defined the exact orientation of the TAL. The aim of this study was to describe the orientation of acetabular margin and compare it with TAL orientation. Materials and Methods. Sixty eight hips with osteoarthritis undergoing THR with computer navigation were investigated. Anterior pelvic plane was registered using anterior superior iliac spines and pubic symphysis. Orientation of the natural acetabulum as defined by the acetabular rim with any osteophytes excised was measured. Since TAL is a rectangular band like structure, three recordings were done for each corresponding to the outer middle and inner margin of the band. All the readings were given by software as radiological anteversion and inclination. Results. All patients were Caucasian, 30 males and 38 females with mean age 67.4 years (SD 9.6) and BMI 30 (SD 5). Inclination was 54.7(SD7.9), 53(SD6.9), 47.5(SD6.8), 42.1(6.7) and anteversion 5.7(SD8.7), 5.4(SD9.9), 9.7(SD9.6), 13.5(SD9.4) for acetabular rim, outer, middle and inner borders of the TAL respectively. For inclination TAL outer border was not significantly different to acetabular rim (mean difference 1.7°, 95%CIs −0.2° to 3.6°, p=0.082) but the middle (mean difference 7.3°, 95%CIs 5.6° to 8.9°) and inner (mean difference 12.6°, 95%CIs 11.0° to 14.2°) borders were (both p<0.001). For anteversion TAL outer border was not significantly different to acetabular rim (mean difference 0.2°, 95%CIs −1.3° to 1.8°, p=0.758) but the middle and inner borders were (mean difference −4.0° 95%CIs −5.5° to −2.5° and −7.9°, 95%CIs −9.6° to −6.1° respectively, both p<0.001). Anteversion for males was significantly lower than females with a mean difference of 4 for the rim and 5.7, 4.8 and 5.1 for the TAL outer, middle and inner margins respectively. Overall 57,53,40&26 of 68 patients had a combined inclination and anteversion of the native acetabulum that fell outside the “safe zone” of Lewinnek with acetabular rim, outer, middle and inner margins of TAL respectively. Compared to Lewinnek safe zones for inclination TAL inner margin performed best with 14.7% outliers and acetabular rim performed worst with 72% outliers. For anteversion TAL inner margin performed best with 25% outliers while outer margin of TAL performed worst with 39.7% outliers. Conclusion. Orientation of the acetabulum differs a lot between individuals. The TAL middle and inner margins differ in orientation as compared to acetabular rim and TAL outer border. TAL inner border provides the best bet for placing the cup in Lewinnek's safe zone. When using the natural acetabular orientation or TAL as a guide, it should not be assumed this will orientate the cup in Lewinnek safe zone although the validity of safe zones itself is questionable. Variation between patients must be taken into account and the difference between males and females, particularly in terms of anteversion, should be considered

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of aligning the cup with the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the reproducibility of this procedure by using computer-assisted navigation. Methods. Between January 2011 and March 2012, 75 patients (81 hips) underwent primary THA using the posterolateral approach at our hospital. We excluded 4 hips with a history of pelvic osteotomy; thus, the study included 77 hips. We measured the anatomical anteversion of the TAL intraoperatively by aligning the inferomedial rim of the cup trial with the TAL using computer-assisted navigation. We set the abduction to 45° at measure of the anteversion of the TAL. Measurements for each hip were independently performed thrice by 2 surgeons chosen among 1 expert and 6 non-experts. The surgeon performing the measurement was blinded during this process; the navigation screen was turned away from the surgeon's field of view. Anatomical inclination and anteversion were measured with reference to the functional pelvic plane. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intra- and inter-observer reliability. The mean value of all 6 measurements was used to determine the anteversion of the TAL in each hip. Results. The TAL was identified in 83% of the cases (64 of 77 hips). Intra-observer reliability was high for both the expert surgeon (ICC(1.1) = 0.851) and the non-expert surgeons (ICC(1.1) = 0.825). Inter-observer reliability was moderate (ICC(2.1) = 0.452). The mean difference in the anatomical anteversion measured by 2 surgeons was 7.0° (5.3°) (range, 0.3–21.3°). The mean anatomical anteversion of the TAL was 20.9° (7.0°) (range, 9.0–48.3°). Discussion and Conclusions. Recently, reports have suggested that the TAL can be used as a reference for determining a patient's native acetabular anteversion; the position of the cup can then be customized so that the face of the acetabular component is parallel to the TAL. We measured the anatomical anteversion of the cup trial aligned with the TAL using computer-assisted navigation and assessed the reproducibility of the alignment. Intra-observer reliability was high, and each surgeon was able to align the cup according to his target for of the TAL anteversion. However, inter-observer reliability was only moderate. This is because the TAL is a short ligament with some thickness, and the methods employed to align the cup trial with the TAL may differ among surgeons. The smallest anteversion of the TAL was 9°, and retroversion was not observed in any of the cases. Therefore, in our opinion, the TAL is useful as a reference for not positioning the cup in retroversion. However, in some cases with an excessive posterior pelvic tilt, the anteversion of the TAL may have been excessive and not necessarily optimal. Therefore, aligning the cup with TAL may not be the ideal method for all cases

Ideal cup positioning remains elusive both in terms of defining and achieving target. Our aim is to restore original anatomy by using the Transverse Acetabular Ligament (TAL). In the normal hip TAL and labrum come beyond the equator of the femoral head therefore if the definitive cup is positioned such that: It is cradled by the TAL; Is ideally no more than 4mm greater in diameter than the original femoral head; Sits just deep to the plane of TAL and labrum (this means that normally we leave the fat pad intact and do not ream down to the true floor). That should restore joint center in terms of height and offset. If the face of the cup is then positioned parallel and just deep to the TAL and psoas groove that should restore original version. We still use TAL for version in dysplasia because we believe the TAL and labrum compensate for any underlying bony abnormality. However in dysplasia the TAL and labrum fall short of original femoral head equator and therefore in such cases we ream down to the true floor if necessary and use a cup which is often smaller than the original head. Inclination represents a greater challenge and TAL should not be used as an aid to inclination. Our research has shown that errors in postoperative x-ray inclination above 50 degrees are generally caused by errors in patient positioning when in lateral decubitus. Consequently great care needs to be taken when positioning the patient

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

Previous reports have shown the efficacy of muscle interposition grafts in treating recalcitrant infection in the presence of hip arthroplasty. We report our experience with a two stage debridement and rectus femoris pedicled interposition graft technique in chronic severe native hip infection with a persistent draining sinus. During the last 16 months, three paraplegic patients presented with persistently draining sinuses and chronic osteomyelitis of the pelvis, acetabulum and proximal femur, in a total of four hips. The mean patient age was 49 years (range, 40 to 59 years). In all patients there had been previous attempts to control the infection with wound debridement and long-term antibiotics. A two-stage operative treatment was used in all patients. The first stage comprised wound debridement, washout, gentamycin-bead application and temporary vacuum assisted wound coverage. At the second stage, approximately ten days later, through a standard anterior midline incision, the rectus femoris muscle was elevated on its pedicle, rolled, transposed into the acetabulum and sutured to the transverse acetabular ligament. At the second stage, all patients had local administration of antibiotics with genetamycin impregnated absorbable collagen fleece and all wounds were closed by delayed primary closure with a negative pressure dressing placed over the closed wound. All patients were commenced on a 6 week course of intravenous antibiotics, according to sensitivities. No loss of flap occurred in any of the patients. One wound had partial dehiscence and required a split skin graft. At the final follow-up examination all the wounds were healed and there was no recurrence of draining sinuses, pressure sores or systemic sepsis. The two stage technique with a pedicled rectus femoris interposition graft may be a useful technique for the treatment of complex chronic persistent osteomyelitis of the pelvis, acetabulum and proximal femur, with the primary aim of stopping the discharging sinus

Introduction. All current methods of cup placement use anterior pelvic plane (APP) as the reference. However, the majority of studies investigating the measurement of anteversion (AV) and abduction angles (AA) are inaccurate since the effect of pelvic tilt and obliquity are not considered. The aim of this study was to describe a reproducible, novel technique for functional cup positioning using internal and external bony landmarks and the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL). Methods. The pelvic obliquity and tilt are measured on the pre-operative weight bearing AP and lateral pelvic radiographs. Intra-operatively, the highest point of the iliac crest is identified and a line is drawn to the middle of the greater trochanter with knee flexed to 90 degrees and leg thigh horizontal to the floor, parallel to the APP. The cup is placed parallel to the TAL and inside the anterior acetabular wall notch, and then is adjusted for the femoral anteversion, pelvic tilt and obliquity. The angle between the drawn line and the cup handle is the operative anteversion. 78 consecutive total hip replacements (76 patients) were performed using this technique. The functional cup orientation was measured on post-operative weight bearing pelvic radiographs using EBRA software. Results. The mean follow-up was 1.2 ± 0.3 years. There were no fracture, dislocation or infection. The mean functional AV and AA were 17.9° ± 4.7° (7.8–28.7) and 41.7° ± 3.8° (33.4–50), respectively. The mean pelvic tilt and obliquity were −3.1° ± 9.7° (−25–9) and −1.5° ± 3.2° (−9.9–7.4), respectively. 96% of functional AV and 100% of functional AA measurements were within the safe zone. Discussion and Conclusion. This is an easy, accurate, and reproducible technique, which uses bony landmarks and TAL, adjusted for femoral anteversion and pelvis tilt and obliquity. Weight-bearing radiographs should be used to standardise the measurements with the goal to reproduce the functional cup orientation within the safe zone

Introduction. Conventional methods of aligning the acetabular component during hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing often rely upon anatomic information available to the surgeon. Such anatomical information includes the transverse acetabular ligament and the locations of the pubis, ischium and ilium. The current study assesses the variation in orientation of the plane defined by the pubis, ischium and ilium on a patient-specific basis as measured by CT. Methods. To assess the reliability of anatomical landmarks in surgery, we assessed 54 hips in 51 patients (32 male, 22 female) who presented for CT-based surgical navigation of total hip arthroplasty. From a 3D model of each patient, standardised points for the anterior pelvic plane and landmarks on the ilium, ischium, and pubis were entered. The plane defined by the anatomical landmarks was calculated in degrees of operative anteversion and operative inclination according to the definitions of Murray. Results. The plane representing cup position defined by the anatomical landmarks ranged from 7.8° to 64.6° in operative anteversion (mean = 32.1°, SD = 15.0°) and 37.6° to 68.2° in operative inclination (mean = 53.2, SD = 7.1°). If a safe zone of 27 degrees of operative anteversion (± 10°) and 42 degrees of operative inclination (± 10°) is selected, 50.0% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative anteversion, and 57.4% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative inclination. Discussion and Conclusion. Surgeons have very specific and limited anatomical information available at the time of surgery to assist in determining optimal component orientation. Alignment relative to the operating table and intraoperative signs such as the co-planar test are unreliable due to the wide variation of position of the pelvis during surgery. This leaves anatomical landmarks that can be palpated during surgery as one remaining method upon which component orientation may be based. Unfortunately, these anatomical landmarks vary quite widely on an individual patient basis, with 83.3% of hips out of the a safe zone in this study of 27° of operative anteversion and 42° of operative inclination and 77.8% our of a safe zone of 20 degrees of operative anteversion and 45 degrees of operative inclination. As such, internal anatomical landmarks are likely to lead to systematically high incidences of component malposition such as those repeatedly documented in the literature. Based on the current study we conclude that, unless the orientation of the palpable anatomical landmarks is assessed in three-dimensions pre-operatively, these anatomical landmarks provide poor and sometimes dangerously misleading information

Background. The current orthopaedic literature demonstrates a clear relationship between acetabular component positioning, polyethylene wear and risk of dislocation following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Problems with edge loading, stripe wear and squeaking are also associated with higher acetabular inclination angles, particularly in hard-on-hard bearing implants. The important parameters of acetabular component positioning are depth, height, version and inclination. Acetabular component depth, height and version can be controlled with intra-operative reference to the transverse acetabular ligament. Control of acetabular component inclination, particularly in the lateral decubitus position, is more difficult and remains a challenge for the Orthopaedic Surgeon. Lewinnek et al described a ‘safe zone’ of acetabular component orientation: Radiological acetabular inclination of 40 ± 10° and radiological anteversion of 15 ± 10°. Accurate implantation of the acetabular component within the ‘safe zone’ of radiological inclination is dependent on operative inclination, operative version and pelvic position. Traditionally during surgery, the acetabular component has been inserted with an operative inclination of 45°. This assumes that patient positioning is correct and does not take into account the impact of operative anteversion or patient malpositioning. However, precise patient positioning in order to orientate acetabular components using this method cannot always be relied upon. Hill et al demonstrated a mean 6.9° difference between photographically simulated radiological inclination and the post-operative radiological inclination. The most likely explanation was felt to be adduction of the uppermost hemipelvis in the lateral decubitus position. The study changed the practice of the senior author, with target operative inclination now 35° rather than 40° as before, aiming to achieve a post-operative radiological inclination of 42° ± 5°. Aim. To determine which of the following three techniques of acetabular component implantation most accurately obtains a desired operative inclination of 35 degrees:. Freehand. Modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide, or. Digital inclinometer assisted. Methods. 270 patients undergoing primary uncemented THA were randomised to one of the three methods of acetabular component implantation. Target operative inclination for all three techniques was 35°. Operative inclination was measured intra-operatively using both a digital inclinometer and stereophotogrammetric system. For both the freehand and Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation techniques, the surgeon was blinded to intra-operative digital inclinometer readings. Results. The freehand implantation technique had an operative inclination range of 25.2 – 43.2° (Mean 32.9°, SD 2.90°). The modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation technique had an operative inclination range of 29.3 – 39.3° (Mean 33.7°, SD 1.89°). The digital inclinometer assisted technique had an operative inclination range of 27.5 – 37.5° (Mean 34.0°, SD 1.57°). Mean unsigned deviation from target 35° operative inclination was 2.92° (SD 2.03) for the freehand implantation technique, 1.83° (SD 1.41) for the modified (35°) Mechanical Alignment Guide implantation technique and 1.28° (SD 1.33) for the digital inclinometer assisted technique. Conclusions. When aiming for 35° of operative inclination, the digital inclinometer technique appears more accurate than either the freehand or Mechanical Alignment Guide techniques. In order to improve accuracy of acetabular component orientation during Total Hip Arthroplasty, the surgeon should consider using such a technique

Introduction:. Conventional methods of aligning the acetabular component during hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing often rely upon anatomic information available to the surgeon. Such anatomical information includes the transverse acetabular ligament and the locations of the pubis, ischium and ilium. The current study assesses the variation in orientation of the plane defined by the pubis, ischium and ilium on a patient-specific basis as measured by CT. Methods:. To assess the reliability of anatomical landmarks in surgery, we assessed 54 hips in 51 patients (32 male, 22 female) who presented for CT-based surgical navigation of total hip arthroplasty. The HipSextant Research Application (version 1.0.7, Surgical Planning Associates Inc., Boston, Massachusetts) was used to perform the calculations. This application allows for determination of the Anterior Pelvic Plane coordinates from a 3D surface model. Standardized points on the ilium, ischium, and pubis were entered. These three points defined a plane and the orientation of the plane in the AP Plane coordinate system was calculated in degrees of operative anteversion and operative inclination according to the definitions of Murray. 1. . Results:. The plane representing cup position defined by the anatomical landmarks ranged from 7.8° to 64.6° in operative anteversion (mean = 32.1°, SD = 15.0°) and 37.6° to 68.2° in operative inclination (mean = 53.2, SD = 7.1°). If a safe zone of 27 degrees of operative anteversion (± 10°) and 42 degrees of operative inclination (± 10°) is selected, 50.0% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative anteversion, and 57.4% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative inclination. 83.3% of all hips are out of the safe zone in either operative anteversion, operative inclination, or both. If a safe zone of 20° of operative anteversion (± 10°) and 45° of operative inclination (± 10°) is assumed, 55.6% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative anteversion, 44.4% of hips are out of the safe zone in operative inclination, and 77.8% of hips are out of safe zone for either anteversion or inclination. Discussion and Conclusion:. Surgeons have very specific and limited anatomical information available at the time of surgery to assist in determining optimal component orientation. Alignment relative to the operating table and intraoperative signs such as the co-planar test are unreliable due to the wide variation of position of the pelvis during surgery. This leaves anatomical landmarks that can be palpated during surgery as one remaining method upon which component orientation may be based. Unfortunately, these anatomical landmarks vary quite widely on an individual patient basis, with 77.8% out of a safe zone of 20 degrees of operative anteversion and 45 degrees of operative inclination +/− 10 degrees. As such, internal anatomical landmarks are likely to lead to systematically high incidences of component malposition such as those repeatedly documented in the literature. Based on the current study we conclude that, unless the orientation of the palpable anatomical landmarks is assessed in three-dimensions pre-operatively, these anatomical landmarks provide poor and sometimes dangerously misleading information

Cemented total hip arthroplasty has become an extremely successful operation with excellent long term results. Although showing decreasing popularity in North America, it always remained a popular choice for the elderly patients in Europe and other parts of the world. Besides optimal component orientation, a proper cementing technique is of major importance to assure longevity of implant fixation. Consequently a meticulous bone bed preparation assures the mechanical interlock between the implant component, cement and the final bone bed. Cementing the acetabular side should include preservation of the transverse acetabular ligament and clear identification of the medial wall. Medialisation and deepening of the socket are important at reaming, to ensure a containment of the cup. The contact of the cup to cancellous bone should be maximised. Either smaller reamers or 4–6mm anchoring holes can be drilled to the superior sclerosis. Smaller defects can be curettage, while larger ones might require cancellous bone grafting. Of major importance is the thoroughly pulsatile jet lavage with saline to irrigate the cancellous bone bed, to reduce fat and blood lamination. After final irrigation, before cementation, dry sponges are slightly impacted into the cavity, to dry it out. Cementation usually requires 40g of high viscosity bone cement. Immediate pressurisation of the cement into the bone bed should start after a general application time in our institution between 2.5 to 3 minutes after mixing; with either a sterile glove filled with a sponge or designated company specific pressuriser. Sustained pressurisation should be done for 1 minute. The original cup should be 3–4mm smaller than the last reamer, to ensure circumferential cement mantle. Insertion principle includes medialisation first, followed by gradual angulation of the cup. In appropriate position, a balled pressuriser maintains pressure without further moving of the implant, until cement hardening. Remnant cement can be removed with osteotomes, while remaining osteophytes should be flush with implant. Femoral Side: First the fossa pyriformis should be clearly identified, including the posterolateral entry point of the prosthesis. The femoral neck cut is usually 1.5–2cm above the minor trochanter, based on the preoperative planning and implant type. Opening of the canal is done with an awl or osteotome, followed by any blunt tipped instrument, to follow the intramedullary direction. A box osteotome opens the lateral portion of the femoral neck, gently to preserve as much cancellous bone as possible. Sequential broaching follows carefully and according to the planning, to ensure preservation of 2–3mm cancellous bone for interdigitation. Some systems might require over-broaching by one size. Trialing is done with the broach. Following, irrigation using a long nozzle pulsatile lavage, reduces the chance for fat embolism. A cement restrictor is then placed 1.5–2cm distal to the tip of the stem, to ensure an adequate cement mantle distally. A second complete pulsatile irrigation of the canal follows, to minimise bleeding, followed by a dry sponge. Cement mixing is vacuum based in the meantime, usually 60–80g. We prefer the use of low dose antibiotic laden cement in our set up. Two to three minutes after mixing, the cement is applied rapidly in a retrograde technique with a cement gun, placing the nozzle tip against the cement restrictor. The gun is “pushed” out during the application, rather than being withdrawn from the canal. Proximal pressurisation is first done by thumb, then with a proximal seal for 1 minute. The stem is inserted slowly using steady manual pressure, in the center of the cement mantle, however, should never be impacted. The stem is aligned with the previously defined lateral entry point and is held in position until the cement hardens. The desired outcome is a cement interdigitation into cancellous bone for 2–3mm and an additional mantle of 2mm pure cement

The success of total hip replacement (THR) is closely linked to the positioning of the acetabular component. Malalignment increases rates of dislocation, impingement, acetabular migration, pelvic osteolysis, leg length discrepancy and polyethylene wear. Many surgeons orientate the cup in the same anteversion and inclination as the inherent anatomy of the acetabulum. The transverse acetabular ligament and acetabular rim can be used as a reference points for orientating the cup this way. Low rates of dislocation have been reported using this technique. Detailed understanding of the anatomy and orientation of the acetabulum in arthritic hips is therefore very important. The aim of this study was to describe the anteversion and inclination of the inherent acetabulum in arthritic hips and to identify the number that fall out with the ‘safe zone’ of acetabular position described by Lewinnek et al. (anteversion 15°±10°; inclination 40°±10°). A series of 65 hips, all with symptomatic osteoarthritis undergoing THR were investigated. Patients with developmental dysplastia of hip (DDH) were excluded. All patients had a navigated THR as part of their normal clinical treatment. A posterior approach to the hip was used. A commercially available non image based computer navigation system (Orthopilot BBraun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used. Rigid bodies (using active trackers) were attached to pelvis and femur. Anterior pelvic plane was registered using the two anterior superior iliac spines and pubic symphysis. The femoral head dislocated and removed and the labrum and soft tissue were excised to clear floor and rim of the acetabulum. Inner size of the empty acetabulum was sized with cup trials and appropriately size trial fixed with a computer tracker was then aligned in the orientation of the natural acetabulum as defined by the acetabular rim ignoring any osteophytes. The inclination and anteversion were calculated by the software. Surgery then proceeded with guidance of the computer navigation system. The computer software defines the anatomical values of orientation, to allow comparison with radiographs these were converted to radiological values as described by Murray et al. The acetabular inclination in all hips was also measured on pre-operative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. This was done using digital radiographs analysed with the PACS system (Kodak, Carestream PACS Client, version 10.0). Acetabular inclination was measured using as the angle between a line passing through the superior and inferior rim of the acetabulum and a line parallel to the pelvis as identified by the tear drops, using the method described by Atkinson et al. All patients were Caucasian and had primary osteoarthritis. There were 29 males and 36 females. The average age was 68 years (SD 8). Mean anteversion was 9.3° (SD 10.3°). Anteversion for males was significantly lower than females with a mean difference of −5.5° (95%CI −10.5°,−0.5°) p = 0.033 but there was no significant difference in the number falling outside the “safe zone”. Mean inclination was 50.4° (SD 7.4°). There was no significant difference between males and females with respect to inclination angle or the number that fell outside the “safe zone”. Overall 69% of patients had a combined inclination and anteversion of the native acetabulum that fell outside the “safe zone” of Lewinnek. Mean acetabular inclination falls out with the ‘safe zone’. This trend has been seen in a recent study of arthritic hips using CT scans which found that the average angle of inclination in both males and females was greater than the upper limit of the safe zone. This study using CT also demonstrated a statistically significant 5.5° difference between males and females in terms of anteversion. This is the same as the figure we have found in our work. Inherent acetabular orientation in arthritic hips falls out with the safe zone defined by Lewinnek in 69% of cases. When using the natural acetabular orientation as a guide for positioning implants it should therefore not be assumed this will fall with in the safe zone although the validity of safe zones itself is questionable. Variation between patients must be taken into account and the difference between males and females, particularly in terms of anteversion, should also be considered