DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: TECHNIQUE AND CLINICAL RESULTS

INTRODUCTIONDespite our best efforts, orthopaedic surgeons do not always achieve desired results in acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty. New advancements in digital radiography and image analysis software allow contemporaneous assessment of cup position in real-time during the surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to describe and validate a technique in obtaining a true AP Pelvis radiograph in the lateral decubitus position to accurately assess cup position intra-operatively (Figure 1).METHODS350 consecutive patients undergoing THA through a soft-tissue sparing posterior approach were prospectively enrolled. Standard pre-operative supine radiographs were taken in the office to serve as a reference for intra-operative pelvic orientation and templating. Intra-operative AP Pelvis radiographs were obtained with the patient in the lateral decubitus position to appropriately match the pre-operative radiograph. Adjustments were made to correct for pelvic rotation by rotating the oper...