Surgeons' Accuracy in Achieving Their Desired Acetabular Component Orientation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Surgical technique assessment
• Biomechanical analysis

Background:

• Significant variability exists in acetabular component orientation during hip arthroplasty.
• Accurate component positioning is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgeon accuracy in orientating the acetabular component.
• To determine if visual cues and operating table side influence accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one surgeons (trainers and trainees) positioned acetabular components on a pelvic model.
• Stereophotogrammetry measured orientation accuracy against target orientations.
• Tasks included replicating preferred orientation and using visual cues (ligament, guide).

Main Results:

• Surgeons' preferred inclination (42°) and anteversion (21°) differed from achieved orientation.
• Visual cues significantly improved accuracy for anteversion (1°) and inclination (-3°).
• An alignment guide reduced orientation variability by one-third; trainees and trainers showed similar results.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons tend to overestimate inclination and underestimate anteversion, which can be beneficial radiographically.
• Conventional techniques lead to substantial variability in acetabular component orientation.
• Improved training guides and methods are necessary to enhance surgical accuracy.