The Accuracy of CT-Based Fluoroscopy-Matching Navigation System in THA a Comparison of the Anterolateral and Posteolateral Approaches

Introduction Since2007, we have used CT-based fluoroscopy-matching navigation system (Vector Vision Hip Ver.3.5.2, BrainLAB, Germany) in Total hip arthroplasty. This system completes the registration procedure semi-automatically by matching the contours of fluoroscopic images and touching 3 adequate points to the contours of 3D bone model created in the computer. Registration procedure using fluoroscopic figures has finished before making surgical incision. It needs no elongation time during the operation. The accuracy of navigation system depends on the techniques of registration used for the navigation and secure fixation of the dynamic reference markers. These could be affected by the different type of approaches. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CT-based fluoroscopy-matching navigation system in THA and compare the cup position by anterolateral and posteolateral approaches. Material and method We analysed the acetabular cup in consecutive 132 hips with both intra-operative and post-operative alignment data (based on navigation system and CT evaluation), including 65 cases with anterolateral approach(Modified Watson Jones) (Group AL) and 67 cases with posterolateral approach(Group PL). We aimed the cup angle for THA as following, the inclination: 40 degrees, the anteversion: 20 degrees. Anteversion on the navigation system must be adjusted by the pelvic tilt. Results The average of the operative time were 84.8 ± 13.5 in group AL and 89.3 ± 15.1 minutes in group PL. There was one dislocation in group AL. There was no other obvious complication (nerve palsy, VTE and Infection) in these two groups. The all cup alignments were within 8 degrees from the preoperative orientation. The differences between the intra- and post-operative measurement of cup inclination were 1.9 ± 1.6 degrees in group AL and 2.1 ± 1.1 degrees in group PL(N.S.). The differences between the intra- and post-operative measurement of cup anteversion were 2.3 ± 1.4 degrees in group AL and 2.2 ± 1.3 degrees in group PL (N.S.). Discussion CT-based navigation THA is very useful for severe deformity of hip osteoarthritis. We had used CT-based navigation system(landmark matching) since 2003. It needs some technical skills to improve the accuracy of landmark matching. The registration with CT-based fluoroscopy-matching navigation system is much easier and more simple than with landmark matching navigation system. And we found this system provided high accuracy even in severe deformity cases. There was no significant difference with anterolateral and posterolateral approaches by using CT-based fluoroscopy-matching navigation system.