Preoperative factors improving the prediction of the postoperative sagittal orientation of the pelvis in standing position after total hip arthroplasty

The aims of this study were to investigate if the sagittal orientation of the pelvis (SOP) in the standing position changes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and evaluate what preoperative factors may improve the prediction of the postoperative standing SOP in the context of a patient-specific functional cup orientation. 196 primary THA patients from Japan were retrospectively selected for this study. Computed tomography imaging of the pelvis, EOS imaging of the lower body and lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine in the standing position were taken preoperatively. Common biometrics and preoperative Harris Hip Score were recorded. The EOS imaging in the standing position was repeated three months following THA. A 3D/2.5D registration process was used to determine the standing SOP. Thirty-three preoperative biometric, morphological and functional parameters were measured. Important preoperative parameters were identified that significantly improve the prediction of the postoperative standing SOP by using multiple linear LASSO regression. On average, the SOP changed significantly (p < 0.001) between the preoperative and postoperative standing position three months after THA by 3° ± 4° in the posterior direction. The age, standing lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) and preoperative supine and standing SOP significantly (p < 0.001) improve the prediction of the postoperative standing SOP. The linear regression model for the prediction of the postoperative standing SOP is significantly (p < 0.001) improved by adding the parameters preoperative standing SOP and LLA, in addition to the preoperative supine SOP, reducing the root mean square error derived from a leave-one-out cross-validation by more than 1°. The mean standing SOP in Japanese patients changes already three months after THA in comparison to the preoperative value. The preoperative factors age, LLA, supine and standing SOP can significantly improve the prediction of the postoperative standing SOP and should be considered within the preoperative planning process of a patient-specific functional cup orientation.