Portable Accelerometer-Based Navigation System for Cup Placement of Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

Background: Malposition of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with increased risk of dislocation, reduced range of motion, and accelerated wear. The purpose of this study is to compare cup positioning with a portable, accelerometer-based hip navigation system and conventional surgical technique.

Methods: In a prospective, randomized, clinical study, cups were implanted with a portable, accelerometer-based hip navigation system (navigation group; n = 55) or conventional technique (conventional group; n = 55). THA was conducted in the lateral position and through posterior approach. The cup position was determined postoperatively on pelvic radiograph and computed tomography scans.

Results: An average cup abduction of 39.2° ± 4.6° (range, 27° to 50°) and an average cup anteversion of 14.6° ± 6.1° (range, 1° to 27.5°) were found in the navigation group, and an average cup abduction of 42.9° ± 8.0° (range, 23° to 73°) and an average cup anteversion of 11.6° ± 7.7° (range, -12.1° to 25°) in the conventional group. A smaller variation in the navigation group was indicated for cup abduction (P = .001). The deviations from the target cup position were significantly lower in the navigation group (P = .001, .016). While only 37 of 55 cups in the conventional group were inside the Lewinnek safe zone, 51 of 55 cups in the navigation group were placed inside this safe zone (P = .006). The navigation procedure took a mean of 10 minutes longer than the conventional technique.

Conclusion: Use of the portable, accelerometer-based hip navigation system can improve cup positioning in THA.