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Published August 25, 2021

Standardized Fluoroscopy-Based Technique to Measure Intraoperative Cup Anteversion

Introduction Correct implant positioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential to decrease the rate of dislocation and gain adequate range of motion without impingement. The anterior approach for THA facilitates intraoperative fluoroscopy to determine cup positioning. This video reports a new technique to intraoperatively measure cup anteversion during THA with the patient in the supine position. Material and Methods With the patient in the supine position, an AP pelvic image is obtained with the use of the C-arm. The acetabular inclination angle is evaluated and measured on the fluoroscopy monitor. The C-arm is centered over the hip and tilted away until the equatorial plane of the cup is perpendicular to the plane of the fluoroscopy receptor. This video reviews a formula to calculate correct anteversion of the cup based on the C-arm tilt angle. The described technique was evaluated using a saw bone model and compared with anteversion measurements on CT scans in a cadaver model study. In addition, clinical outcome data were reported for the initial 100 patients who underwent anteversion measurements via this technique. The video also references a recent paper by the senior author of this video, which describes correction of acetabular component inclination on AP C-arm images of the pelvis and details a comprehensive technique to measure inclination and anteversion during THA with the patient in the supine position. Results Measuring cup positioning via fluoroscopy was compared with that via CT scans. The mean acetabular anteversion measured via the tilt technique was 16.3&[deg], and the mean acetabular anteversion measured via CT scans was 16.1&[deg]. The described technique was used in 100 consecutive patients who underwent THA, resulting in 100% of the acetabular components placed within the safe zone. Conclusion This video is based on three published papers describing a correction factor for acetabular inclination and a C-arm tilt technique that aids in the determination of acetabular anteversion. The technique results in predictable acetabular component positioning. The video provides a stepwise approach for the measurement of acetabular component positioning during THA with the patient in the supine position.