Accuracy of cup placement in total hip arthroplasty by means of a mechanical positioning device: a comprehensive cadaveric 3d analysis of 16 specimens

INTRODUCTION: We tested whether a mechanical device (such as Hipsecure) to pinpoint the anterior pelvic plane (APP) as a guide can improve acetabular cup placement. To assess accuracy we asked: (1) is the APP an effective guide to position acetabular cup placement within acceptable ° of divergence from the optimal 40° inclination and 15° anteversion; (2) could a mechanical device increase the number of acetabular cup placements within Lewinnek’s safe zone (i.e. inclination 30° to 50°; anteversion 5° to 25°)? METHODS: 16 cadaveric specimens were used to assess the 3D surgical success of using a mechanical device APP to guide acetabular cup placement along the APP. We used the Hipsecure mechanical device to implant acetabular cups at 40° inclination and 15° anteversion. Subequently, all cadaveric specimens with implants were scanned with a CT and 3D models were created of the pelvis and acetabular cups to assess the outcome in terms of Lewinnek’s safe zones. RESULTS: The mean inclination of the 16 implants was 40.6° (95% CI, 37.7–43.4) and the mean anteversion angle was 13.4° (95% CI, 10.7–16.1). All 16 cup placements were within Lewinnek’s safe zone for inclination (between 30° and 50°) and all but 2 were within Lewinnek’s safe zone for anteversion (between 5° and 25°). CONCLUSION: In cadaveric specimens, the use of a mechanical device and the APP as a guide for acetabular cup placement resulted in good positioning with respect to both of Lewinnek’s safe zones.