Published online Dec 18, 2017. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i12.929
Peer-review started: August 25, 2017
First decision: September 20, 2017
Revised: October 20, 2017
Accepted: November 8, 2017
Article in press: November 8, 2017
Published online: December 18, 2017
Processing time: 115 Days and 16.6 Hours
Correct cup positioning is one of the crucial factors of preventing hip luxation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It can be estimated using simple radiographic views (AP of pelvis and hip) and calculating of the cup inclination angle.
Some techniques can provide calculation of cup version, however none of these techniques can differentiate cup ellipse appearance in patients with same degree of anteversion vs retroversion. It can be resolved by using a cross-table lateral view or CT scan, both of which are seldom used due to challenge with patient position in the early postoperative period and concerns for radiation exposure and sometimes not available in orthopedic practice.
The authors measured the sensitivity and specificity of the cup version assessment by using AP hip and pelvis views, evaluated the incidence of inadequate version in patients with repeated dislocations after THA. The authors believe that estimation of simple radiographic anteversion sign can be used for screening assessment for further obtaining of additional examinations in case of cup malposition and repeated dislocations (as one of the provoking factor).
Cup shadows in retroversion and anteversion were reproduced on AP hip and pelvis views using Autodesk 3ds Max software (Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA, United States). Difference in angles of cup version, which may be seen as a result of difference between X-ray beams centered on AP hip and pelvis views, were subsequently analyzed. Acquired data was used for analysis of 2 groups of patients, with follow up of 6-60 mo, after undergoing primary THA.
The value of the χ2 yates was 10.668 (P < 0.01). A sign of retroversion was also noted when true anteversion angle did not exceed 1/2 of the angle between X-ray beam in different views (AP hip and AP pelvis). Sensitivity of SAI was 29% (95%CI: 9%-46%), and specificity was 92% (95%CI: 88%-96%). Relative risk of dislocation in patients with SAI was 3.4 (95%CI: 1.8-6.3).
Results of our study showed high specificity of the sign of anteversion inclination 92% and low sensitivity (29%) due to other risk factors of hip dislocation.
In this article were not studied other factors provoking hip dislocation. That is way for future perspectives, the authors want to determine the current role of the cup malposition in comparison with other factors of hip luxation.