Leg length discrepancy in computer navigated total hip arthroplasty - how accurate are we?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Total hip arthroplasty (THA) success relies on restoring hip offset and leg length.
• Leg length discrepancy (LLD) post-THA can lead to complications like back pain, gait issues, and patient dissatisfaction.
• Minimizing LLD is critical for optimal THA outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of leg length reproduction in navigated versus non-navigated THA.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of computer navigation in minimizing LLD during THA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing 152 navigated THA patients with 57 non-navigated THA patients.
• Leg lengths were measured radiologically using the Ranawat technique on AP pelvic radiographs.
• Statistical analysis employed the Mann-Whitney U-test to compare LLD between groups.

Main Results:

• 96.05% of navigated THA patients achieved leg length restoration within 6 mm, compared to 51% in the non-navigated group.
• The non-navigated group showed a significantly higher incidence of LLD greater than 6 mm (49%).
• A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in LLD was observed between the navigated and non-navigated THA groups.

Conclusions:

• Computer navigation is an effective tool for accurate leg length restoration in THA.
• Navigated THA significantly reduces the incidence of leg length discrepancy.
• This technology enhances surgical precision and patient satisfaction in hip replacement procedures.