Dynamic change of acetabular component position in total hip arthroplasty based on the spinopelvic classification: a prospective radiographic study

Abstract Purpose Recent studies have proposed optimizing the position of the acetabular component based on spinal deformity and stiffness classification to avoid mechanical complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to characterize the dynamic changes in cup alignment post-THA based on the spinopelvic classification and to evaluate the efficacy of cup placement of preventing dislocation. Methods This prospective study included a total of 169 consecutive patients awaiting THA who were classified into four groups based on spinal deformity (pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis) and spinal stiffness (change in sacral slope from the standing to seated positions). The cups were aligned based on the group with fluoroscopy. Additionally, postoperative radiographic inclination (RI), radiographic anteversion (RA) in standard anteroposterior radiograph, and lateral anteinclination (AI) in sitting and standing positions were measured. The cumulative incidence of dislocation was evaluated at a follow-up two years post-THA. Result RA was significantly greater in the group with normal spine alignment and stiff spine than in other groups ( P = 0.0006), and AI in the sitting position was lower than in other groups ( P = 0.012). Standing AI did not significantly differ between the groups. One posterior dislocation occurred during the study period (0.6%). Conclusion AI in the sitting position was lower in patients with normal spinal alignment and stiff spine despite larger RA in the standard anteroposterior radiographs. Consequently, with more anteversion in the normal spinal alignment and stiff spine group, spinopelvic parameters can help guide cup placement to prevent short-term dislocation post-THA.