The reliability of the anterior pelvic plane for computer navigated acetabular component placement during total hip arthroplasty: Prospective study with the EOS imaging system

IntroductionComputer navigated total hip arthroplasty is mostly based on the use of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) as a reference. EOS is a new imaging system that provides three-dimensional analysis of the pelvis in a functional position with a low dose of radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the APP for placement of the cup during computer navigated THA using EOS.HypothesisThe reliability of the APP is limited for the placement of the acetabular cup during computer navigated THA.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective monocentric study using the EOS imaging system evaluating 44 patients in the standing position three months after computer navigated THA (Orthopilot™). Reproducibility of EOS measurements were analyzed using SterEOS software and the reliability of the navigation data for the position of the cup were assessed.ResultsIntra and interobserver reproducibility of the measurements of the orientation of the cup by EOS were good with correlation coefficients above 93% and 95% and confidence intervals of less than ± 5°. Mean cup inclination and anteversion were 41.3° and 20.9° and 44.3° and 29.5° respectively in operatively and post-operatively. The differences between measurements of operative cup inclination using computer assisted navigation and the post-operative EOS measurements were significant (P < 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of less than 40%.DiscussionOur study confirms the lack of precision of the APP as a reference for positioning of the acetabular component, especially in relation to anteversion. Although for many years the APP was considered to be a global reference, in fact, it is subject to significant inter-individual variations and variations during changes in position. These factors, associated with the difficulty of determining the preoperative APP, explain the lack of reliability of this reference. Preoperative evaluation of the orientation of APP by EOS and its integration into the navigation system could help the operator position these components.Level of evidenceLevel III Prospective diagnostic case controlled study.