Dynamic hip kinematics during squatting before and after total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The difference in in vivo kinematics before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the same subjects and the clearance between the liner and neck during squatting have been unclear. The purpose of the present study was to clarify (1) the changes in the in vivo kinematics between prosthetic hips and osteoarthritis hips of the same subjects and (2) the extent of the liner-to-neck clearance during squatting under weight-bearing conditions. METHODS: This study consisted of 10 patients who underwent unilateral THA for symptomatic osteoarthritis. Using a flat-panel X-ray detector, we obtained continuous radiographs during squatting. We analyzed the hip joint’s movements using three-dimensional-to-two-dimensional model-to-image registration techniques. We also quantified the minimum distance at maximum flexion and extension, and the minimum angle at maximum flexion between the liner and stem neck. RESULTS: The maximum hip flexion angles post-THA (80.7° [range, 69.4–98.6°]) changed significantly compared with the pre-THA values (71.7° [range, 55.2°–91.2°]). The pelvic tilt angle (posterior +, anterior−) at the maximum hip flexion post-THA (10.4° [range, − 6.7° to 26.9°]) was significantly smaller than that at pre-THA (16.6° [range, − 3° to 40.3°]). The minimum anterior and posterior liner-to-neck distances averaged 10.9 and 8.0 mm, respectively, which was a significant difference. The minimum liner-to-neck angle at maximum flexion averaged 34.7° (range, 20.7°–46.3°). No liner-to-neck contact occurred in any of the hips. CONCLUSION: THA increased the range of hip joint motion and the pelvis tilted anteriorly more after than before THA, with sufficient liner-to-neck clearance during squatting. These data may be beneficial for advising patients after THA regarding postoperative activity restrictions in daily life.