Factors predicting change in pelvic posterior tilt after THA

In total hip arthroplasty, steep cup inclination should be avoided because it increases the risk of edge loading. Pelvic posterior tilt should be carefully monitored because it increases cup inclination and anteversion, leading to edge loading or impingement. The authors evaluated how much the pelvic tilt angle changes from the supine position referenced in planning for cup orientation preoperatively to the standing position 1 year after total hip arthroplasty (Δref). The pelvic tilt angle was measured in 124 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis, and the mean Δref was -9.5°±5.3° (range, -23° to 5°). Preoperative compression fractures, spondylolisthesis, and disk-space narrowing were predictive of increased pelvic posterior tilt after total hip arthroplasty. The authors mathematically calculated how much change in pelvic posterior tilt was clinically possible with the original cup alignment, which ranged from 40° to 45° of radiographic inclination and 0° to 30° radiographic anteversion to more than 50° of inclination. Even if the maximum posterior tilt (23°) occurred, no edge loading would occur in almost half of those original cups. Surgeons should aim for 40° of inclination. When the original cup inclination was 40°, edge loading was prevented. Edge loading caused by steep cup inclination can be prevented by adjusting the cup orientation to account for predicted pelvic tilting, but spinal alignment must also be considered because lumbar kyphosis can increase postoperative pelvic posterior tilt.