Computer-assisted navigation has the potential to improve the accuracy of cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and prevent leg length discrepancy (LLD). The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular cup position and post- operative LLD after primary THA using posterolateral approach. Between August 2016 to December 2017, 57 THAs using imageless navigation were matched with 57 THA without navigation, based on age, gender and BMI. Post-operative weight-bearing radiographs were assessed using for anteversion, inclination and LLD. Goal for functional cup placement was 40° inclination and 20° anteversion based on preoperative weight bearing pelvic images. Functional LLD was measured as compared to pre- operative radiographs and contralateral side. Proportion of cups within Lewinnek’s safe zone, proximity to a pre-operative target of and the LLD >5 mm was assessed. The mean age was 54.9 ± 9.6 years (30 – 72) and 57.6 ± 12.5 years (20 – 85) in control and navigated groups, respectively. Mean cup orientation in the navigated group was 20.6°± 3.3° (17 - 25) of anteversion and 41.9°± 4.8° (30 - 51) of inclination, vs. 25.0°± 11.1° (10 - 31) and 45.7°± 8.7° (29 – 55) in control group, where were statistically significant (p=0.005 and p=0.0001), respectively. In the navigated group, significantly more acetabular cups were placed within Lewinnek’s safe zone (anteversion: 78% vs. 47%, p=0.005; inclination: 92% vs. 67%, p=0.002). There was no significant difference in mean LLD in navigation and control groups (3.1 ± 1.5 mm vs. 4.6 ± 3.4 mm, p=0.36), although fewer LLDs >5 mm were reported in the navigated group (7.1%) than in controls (31.4%, p=0.007). The use of this image-less computer-assisted navigation improved the accuracy with which acetabular cup components were placed and may represent an important method for limiting post-operative complications related to cup malpositioning and LLD.
Clinical Validation of Computer-Assisted Navigation in Total Hip Arthroplasty
