Radiographic Anteversion Research Articles

A Pilot Study of Augmented Reality Technology Applied to the Acetabular Cup Placement During Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe developed an acetabular cup placement device, the AR-HIP system, using augmented reality (AR). The AR-HIP system allows the surgeon to view an acetabular cup image superimposed in the surgical field through a smartphone. The smartphone also shows the placement angle of the acetabular cup. This preliminary study was performed to assess the accuracy of the AR-HIP system for acetabular cup placement during total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsWe prospectively measured the placement angles using both a goniometer and AR-HIP system in 56 hips of 54 patients undergoing primary THA. We randomly determined the order of intraoperative measurement using the 2 devices. At 3 months after THA, the placement angle of the acetabular cup was measured on computed tomography images. The primary outcome was the absolute value of the difference between intraoperative and postoperative computed tomography measurements. ResultsThe measurement angle using AR-HIP was significantly more accurate in terms of radiographic anteversion than that using a goniometer (2.7° vs 6.8°, respectively; mean difference 4.1°; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-5.2; P < .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of radiographic inclination (2.1° vs 2.6°; mean difference 0.5°; 95% confidence interval, −1.1 to 0.1; P = .13). ConclusionIn this pilot study, the AR-HIP system provided more accurate information regarding acetabular cup placement angle than the conventional method. Further studies are required to confirm the utility of the AR-HIP system as a navigation tool.

Correction of Pelvic Tilt and Pelvic Rotation in Cup Measurement after THA - An Experimental Study.

Purpose Accurate assessment of cup orientation on postoperative pelvic radiographs is essential for evaluating outcome after THA. Here, we present a novel method for correcting measurement inaccuracies due to pelvic tilt and rotation. Method In an experimental setting, a cup was implanted into a dummy pelvis, and its final position was verified via CT. To show the effect of pelvic tilt and rotation on cup position, the dummy was fixed to a rack to achieve a tilt between + 15° anterior and -15° posterior and 0° to 20° rotation to the contralateral side. According to Murray's definitions of anteversion and inclination, we created a novel corrective procedure to measure cup position in the pelvic reference frame (anterior pelvic plane) to compensate measurement errors due to pelvic tilt and rotation. Results The cup anteversion measured on CT was 23.3°; on AP pelvic radiographs, however, variations in pelvic tilt (± 15°) resulted in anteversion angles between 11.0° and 36.2° (mean error 8.3°± 3.9°). The cup inclination was 34.1° on CT and ranged between 31.0° and 38.7° (m. e. 2.3°± 1.5°) on radiographs. Pelvic rotation between 0° and 20° showed high variation in radiographic anteversion (21.2°-31.2°, m. e. 6.0°± 3.1°) and inclination (34.1°-27.2°, m. e. 3.4°± 2.5°). Our novel correction algorithm for pelvic tilt reduced the mean error in anteversion measurements to 0.6°± 0.2° and in inclination measurements to 0.7° (SD± 0.2). Similarly, the mean error due to pelvic rotation was reduced to 0.4°± 0.4° for anteversion and to 1.3°± 0.8 for inclination. Conclusion Pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation may lead to misinterpretation of cup position on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Mathematical correction concepts have the potential to significantly reduce these errors, and could be implemented in future radiological software tools. Key Points · Pelvic tilt and rotation influence cup orientation after THA. · Cup anteversion and inclination should be referenced to the pelvis. · Radiological measurement errors of cup position may be reduced by mathematical concepts. Citation Format · Schwarz TJ, Weber M, Dornia C et al. Correction of Pelvic Tilt and Pelvic Rotation in Cup Measurement after THA - An Experimental Study. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 864 - 873.

A mathematical method for precisely calculating the radiographic angles of the cup after total hip arthroplasty

We established a mathematical method to precisely calculate the radiographic anteversion (RA) and radiographic inclination (RI) angles of the acetabular cup based on anterior–posterior (AP) pelvic radiographs after total hip arthroplasty. Using Mathematica software, a mathematical model for an oblique cone was established to simulate how AP pelvic radiographs are obtained and to address the relationship between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry of the opening circle of the cup. In this model, the vertex was the X-ray beam source, and the generatrix was the ellipse in radiographs projected from the opening circle of the acetabular cup. Using this model, we established a series of mathematical formulas to reveal the differences between the true RA and RI cup angles and the measurements results achieved using traditional methods and AP pelvic radiographs and to precisely calculate the RA and RI cup angles based on post-operative AP pelvic radiographs. Statistical analysis indicated that traditional methods should be used with caution if traditional measurements methods are used to calculate the RA and RI cup angles with AP pelvic radiograph. The entire calculation process could be performed by an orthopedic surgeon with mathematical knowledge of basic matrix and vector equations.

Cup implantation accuracy using the HipCOMPASS mechanical intraoperative support device.

BackgroundWhile navigation systems have been developed to increase implantation accuracy in total hip arthroplasty (THA), they are not yet sufficiently versatile or commonly used. Therefore, to elevate the appeal of such systems, we have developed HipCOMPASS, a simple and effective mechanical angle indicator for use in supine THA.Questions/purposesHow accurate is the mean cup orientation [in terms of errors in radiographic anteversion (RA) and inclination (RI)] in cases where HipCOMPASS is used for intraoperative support? Does HipCOMPASS increase this cup orientation accuracy compared to THA cases without it? Does HipCOMPASS increase mean operation time?MethodsWe measured cup orientation in 97 THA cases with HipCOMPASS and in 80 cases without it. Then we compared the angles determined in preoperative planning with the angles revealed by postoperative computed tomography (CT) for both groups. The discrepancy between them was defined as an error. Errors greater than 10° were considered outliers. Additionally, mean operative time with and without the Hip COMPASS were compared.ResultsWith the use of HipCOMPASS, the mean absolute error values in radiographic anteversion and inclination were 2.9° ± 2.3° (range 0°–12.8°) and 2.9° ± 2.1° (0.1°–7.7°), respectively. In contrast, without the use of HipCOMPASS, radiographic anteversion and inclination error values were 8.8° ± 5.8° (0.1°–25.4°) and 6.1° ± 4.5° (0.2°–21.0°), respectively. Outlier occurrence rates were 1.0 % with HipCOMPASS and 48.8 % without it. Mean operative times with and without HipCOMPASS use were 109.2 ± 23.8 min (74–199 min) and 137.6 ± 40.6 min (71–298 min), respectively.ConclusionsThe study has found that HipCOMPASS dramatically increases implantation accuracy and it is also a simple and highly versatile tool that can be implemented quickly. Given its low cost in addition to its favourable accuracy, simple implementation, and short operative time, HipCOMPASS can be regarded as a very useful and effective THA support device.Level of evidenceRetrospective comparative study, Level 3.

The Accuracy of a Mechanical Cup Alignment Guide in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) Through Direct Anterior and Posterior Approaches Measured with CT-Based Navigation

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of a mechanical cup alignment guide using CT-based navigation between a direct anterior approach (DAA) in both supine and lateral positions and a posterior approach (PA) in the lateral position. A trial cup was placed with a mechanical guide that aimed at 47° of radiographic inclination and 14° of anteversion. The average cup inclination and anteversion were measured using CT-based navigation. The average radiographic anteversion in the DAA supine and lateral group was larger, and that in the PA group was smaller than the target angle. In conclusion, there are no differences in the accuracy or precision of cup angles among the DAA supine, DAA lateral position, and PA groups using a mechanical guide.

Cup Version Can be Accurately Measured on the False Profile View Radiograph

Accurate measurement of cup version on plain radiographs remains difficult due to the two-dimensional projection of an ellipse and difficulty obtaining reproducible radiographs. Determine: 1) if the cup angle measured on the false profile view (FPV) could be used to determine radiographic cup version; 2) how patient positioning would affect cup angle measurement on the FPV; 3) if implant cup design affects cup angle measurement. Three cup version positions were assessed in a sawbone: 13° (normal); 28° (excessive anteversion) and -2° (retroversion). Cup angle was measured on the FPV at five different degrees of pelvic rotation within each cup version group. Pelvic rotation was quantified using the ratio of the inter-femoral head distance measured on the FPV versus the anteroposterior radiographs (FP/AP ratio). Eighty patients (40 metal-on-polyethylene, 40 metal-on-metal) post-total hip were also assessed. Cup version was assessed with Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analysis software (EBRA). R2 was calculated to assess correlation between both measurement methods. For the sawbone model, an R2 of 0.95 was obtained. For patients, overall R2 was 0.56 with an FP/AP ratio of 0.3-0.49 having an R2 of 0.72. The EBRA anteversion versus cup angle scatterplot had an R2 of 0.72 (95%CI: +/-7.8°). Subgroup analysis revealed no differences between the metal-on-poly and metal-on-metal for cup angle measurements. The intra-class coefficient for intra- and inter-observer reliability for all cases (individual and combined FP/AP groups) was 0.98 to 0.99. The FPV cup angle measurement value provides an accurate measurement of radiographic cup anteversion with well-defined patient position parameters.

Factors Predicting Change in Pelvic Posterior Tilt After THA

In total hip arthroplasty, steep cup inclination should be avoided because it increases the risk of edge loading. Pelvic posterior tilt should be carefully monitored because it increases cup inclination and anteversion, leading to edge loading or impingement. The authors evaluated how much the pelvic tilt angle changes from the supine position referenced in planning for cup orientation preoperatively to the standing position 1 year after total hip arthroplasty (Δref). The pelvic tilt angle was measured in 124 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis, and the mean Δref was -9.5°±5.3° (range, -23° to 5°). Preoperative compression fractures, spondylolisthesis, and disk-space narrowing were predictive of increased pelvic posterior tilt after total hip arthroplasty. The authors mathematically calculated how much change in pelvic posterior tilt was clinically possible with the original cup alignment, which ranged from 40° to 45° of radiographic inclination and 0° to 30° radiographic anteversion to more than 50° of inclination. Even if the maximum posterior tilt (23°) occurred, no edge loading would occur in almost half of those original cups. Surgeons should aim for 40° of inclination. When the original cup inclination was 40°, edge loading was prevented. Edge loading caused by steep cup inclination can be prevented by adjusting the cup orientation to account for predicted pelvic tilting, but spinal alignment must also be considered because lumbar kyphosis can increase postoperative pelvic posterior tilt.

Reliability and Validity of Measuring Acetabular Component Orientation by Plain Anteroposterior Radiographs

Inaccurate placement of an acetabular cup can cause impingement, dislocation, and accelerated wear. However, there is no universally agreed-on approach to measuring cup position using plain radiographs. Our goal was to evaluate the reliability and validity of measuring the orientation of acetabular components on plain anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. We obtained plain AP radiographs and CT scans for 60 patients who underwent 60 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs). The method devised by Lewinnek et al. was used to measure the orientation of acetabular components on plain AP radiographs, and three-dimensional (3-D) CT scans were used to measure both the radiographic anteversion angle and the inclination angle. Reliability was evaluated by analysis of the agreement between inter- and intraobserver measurements using plain AP radiographs. Measurements on 3-D CT scans were regarded as the reference standard; validity was assessed by comparing radiographic measurements with the CT scans. Inter- and intraobserver reliability for measuring component orientation on plain AP radiographs was nearly perfect with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.896 and 0.969 for anteversion and 0.984 and 0.993 for inclination. Measurement of cup inclination angles differed between plain radiographs and CT scans, but the difference was small, and the difference, although statistically significant, probably was not clinically important (2.3° ± 1.8°, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the anteversion as measured on CT scan versus that measured on plain radiographs (p = 0.19). Measurement of the orientation of acetabular components on plain AP radiographs is reliable and accurate compared with measurement on CT.

Assessment of acetabulum anteversion aligned with the transverse acetabulum ligament: cadaveric study using image-free navigation system

The transverse acetabulum ligament (TAL) has been used as an intraoperative anatomical landmark to position the acetabulum cup in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the validity of the use of TAL has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the orientation of the cup component aligned with the TAL in cadaveric study. The 31 hips in 25 whole-body embalmed cadavers were examined. The donors were 12 men and 13 women. Simulated THA procedure using image-free navigation system was performed and a trial cup with a diameter of approximately 2 mm less than the size of the acetabulum were inserted and snugly fitted on the TAL through the posterior wall of acetabulum. The orientation of the cup component was measured using an image-free THA navigation system. The measured radiographic anteversion and inclination angles averaged 18.2±7.2° (range: 2.0–33.2°) and 43.5±4.2° (range: 33.1–51.0°) respectively. Based on the Lewinnek's safe zone criteria, 26 hips (80.6%) were judged to be within the. Moreover, in the analysis of the gender difference of TAL angles, the average anteversion angle was shown to be significant larger in female than male population. The TAL can be effectively used an intraoperative landmark to align the acetabulum component helping reduce the risk of dislocation after surgery. In the intraoperative judgment, a gender difference in the alignment of the TAL should be taken into consideration.

Does CT-Based Navigation Improve the Long-Term Survival in Ceramic-on-Ceramic THA?

Although navigated THA provides improved precision in implant positioning and alignment, it is unclear whether these translate into long-term implant survival. We compared survivorship, dislocation rate, and incidence of radiographic failures such as loosening and bearing breakage after THA with and without navigation at a minimum 10-year followup. We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients (60 hips) and 97 patients (120 hips) receiving THA with or without a CT-based navigation system, respectively, using cementless THA ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couples. There were no differences in age, sex, diagnosis, height, weight, BMI, or preoperative clinical score between groups. We evaluated survivorship, mode of acetabular and femoral component fixation, osteolysis, and implant wear or breakage at a minimum followup of 10 years (average, 11 years; range, 10-13 years). Survival at 13 years was 100% with navigation and 95.6% (95% CI, 88.4%-98.4%) without navigation. With navigation, all cups were placed within a zone of 40° (range, 30°-50°) of radiographic inclination and 15° (range, 5°-15°) of radiographic anteversion; without navigation, 31 cups (26%) were placed outside this zone. Hips treated without navigation had a higher rate of dislocation (8%) than the navigated cases (0%). Revision was performed in four nonnavigated cases, all of which showed evidence of neck impingement on the ceramic liner. Moreover, seven other cases without navigation showed posterior neck erosion on radiographs. These 11 impingement-related mechanical complications correlated with cup malorientation, and the incidence of impingement-related complications was higher in nonnavigated cases. Navigation reduced the rates of dislocation and impingement-related mechanical complications leading to revision in cementless THA using ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couples over a minimum 10-year followup. Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Patient specific cup anteversion in total hip arthroplasty: a computed tomography study investigating the use of the transverse acetabular ligament to control cup placement

Background Ensuring optimal position of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty is a complex problem. Although computer assisted techniques have been developed to achieve this, these systems may result in improper cup alignment caused by errors in registration of the anterior pelvic plane. Furthermore, set goals for cup placement do not reflect the variation in acetabular morphology. A need exists to develop a method for cup positioning that is patient specific and eliminates the need to register the anterior pelvic plane. It is our hypothesis that the transverse acetabular ligament can be used to do this. The objective of this study was to define the version of acetabular components placed using this technique. Methods In this series of 40 consecutive primary hip replacements, the transverse acetabular ligament was used as the sole method to define cup version. Postoperative CT scans of the pelvis were analyzed to measure the anteversion of the acetabular component. Results At a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12–18 months), none of the hips dislocated. Using the transverse acetabular ligament as the sole method to control the version of the acetabular component resulted in an average radiographic anteversion of 19.7° ± 8.1° (mean ± standard deviation) which equates to an operative anteversion of 28.1° ± 11.3° (mean ± standard deviation). Conclusions This paper highlights the variation in cup version when the transverse acetabular ligament is used to establish and control cup placement. This questions the one-size- fits-all philosophy of a set goal for cup positioning.

Acetabular version and long posterior wall cup in total hip replacement

This study discusses the definition of operative, anatomic and radiographic acetabular anteversion and their effect on a long posterior wall cup. In this cadaveric study, anteversion was modelled radiographically with a Charnley double wire marker Long Posterior Wall (LPW) cup and the position of the long posterior wall was studied with relation to different anteversion angles, and also correlated with computer generated line diagrams of the acetabular cup. The position of a long posterior wall varies when different types of anteversion are applied. By increasing the operative anteversion the long posterior wall comes to lie inferiorly and the advantage of the long posterior wall is lost. In light of prior confusion with definitions and in an attempt to make the terms more relevant to the surgical technique we propose the simplified alternate terms of 'flexion-anteversion' previously called 'operative anteversion', 'internal rotation-anteversion' previously called 'anatomic anteversion' and 'combined anteversion' previously called 'radiographic anteversion'. If the surgeon elects to use LPW it is important to understand the effect of each type of anteversion on eventual position of the raised wall.

Acetabular version and long posterior wall cup in total hip replacement

This study discusses the definition of operative, anatomic and radiographic acetabular anteversion and their effect on a long posterior wall cup. In this cadaveric study, anteversion was modelled radiographically with a Charnley double wire marker Long Posterior Wall (LPW) cup and the position of the long posterior wall was studied with relation to different anteversion angles, and also correlated with computer generated line diagrams of the acetabular cup. The position of a long posterior wall varies when different types of anteversion are applied. By increasing the operative anteversion the long posterior wall comes to lie inferiorly and the advantage of the long posterior wall is lost. In light of prior confusion with definitions and in an attempt to make the terms more relevant to the surgical technique we propose the simplified alternate terms of 'flexion-anteversion' previously called 'operative anteversion', 'internal rotation-anteversion' previously called 'anatomic anteversion' and 'combined anteversion' previously called 'radiographic anteversion'. If the surgeon elects to use LPW it is important to understand the effect of each type of anteversion on eventual position of the raised wall.

Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs to assess acetabular retroversion: High validity of the “cross‐over‐sign”

Acetabular retroversion has been proposed to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis of the hip. For the diagnosis of this condition, conventional AP pelvic radiographs may represent a reliable, easily available diagnostic modality as they can be obtained with a reproducible technique allowing the anterior and posterior acetabular rims to be visible for assessment. This study was designed to: (i) determine cranial, central, and caudal anatomic acetabular version (AV) from cadaveric specimens; (ii) establish the validity and reliability of the radiographic measurements of central acetabular anteversion; and (iii) determine the validity and reliability of the radiographic "cross-over-sign" to detect acetabular retroversion. Using 43 desiccated pelvises (86 acetabuli) the anatomic AVs were measured at three different transverse planes (cranially, centrally, and caudally). From these pelvises, standardized AP pelvic radiographs were obtained. To directly measure central AV, a modified radiographic method is introduced for the use of AP pelvic radiographs. The validity and reliability of this radiographic method and of the radiographic cross-over-sign to detect cranial acetabular retroversion were determined. The mean central and caudal anatomic AVs were approximately 20 degrees , and the mean cranial AV was 8 degrees . Cranial retroversion (AV < 0 degrees ) was present in 19 of 86 hips (22%). A linear correlation was found between the central and cranial AV. Below 10 degrees of central AV, all acetabuli were cranially retroverted. Between 10 degrees and 20 degrees , 30% of the acetabuli were cranially retroverted, and above 20 degrees , only 1 of 45 acetabuli was cranially retroverted. The radiographic measurement of the central AV (20.3 +/- 6.5 degrees ) correlated strongly with the anatomic AV (20.1 +/- 6.4 degrees ). The sensitivity of the cross-over-sign to detect a cranial acetabular anteversion of less than 4 degrees was 96%, its specificity 95%, and the positive predictive and negative predictive values 90% and 98%, respectively. Both the modified radiographic anteversion measurements and the cross-over-sign demonstrated substantial inter- and intraobserver reliability. Retroversion is almost exclusively a problem of the cranial acetabulum. The cranial AV is on average 12 degrees lower than the central AV, with the latter directly measurable from AP pelvic radiographs. A central AV of less than 10 degrees was associated with cranial retroversion. The presence of a positive cross-over-sign is a highly reliable indicator of cranial AV of <4 degrees.