Comparison between pointer-based and ultrasound-based navigation technique in THA using a minimally invasive approach

The use of navigation techniques in primary total hip arthroplasty improves the position of endoprosthetic components, especially cup positioning. An intraoperative registration of the anterior pelvic plane is necessary to define the anteversion and inclination angles on the acetabular side. This study compares the accuracy of manual pointer palpation to ultrasound registration in navigation to determine pelvic plane registration in 60 cases of minimally invasive surgical technique. Findings show more accurate postoperative radiographic anteversion with ultrasound navigation, although both manual pointer palpation and ultrasound registration techniques show a very small standard deviation in anteversion, inclination, and leg length difference. In conclusion, we recommend navigation as a very reliable tool for the positioning of implants.