The Use of Technology to Achieve the Functional Acetabular Safe Zone in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Functional acetabular safe zones based on patient-specific factors during total hip arthroplasty are theorized to result in more optimal component stability than the use of traditional safe zones based on static targets.

Preoperative planning that takes into account functional pelvic positions and spinopelvic mobility is increasingly recommended.

Computer navigation and robotics can be utilized to help accurately achieve the targeted cup position within the functional safe zone.

Each technology platform (imageless and image-based computer navigation and robotics) utilizes a specific referencing method for the pelvis, which influences anteversion and inclination values.

The purpose of this article is to summarize how these different systems reconcile differences in pelvic referencing to ensure that the surgeon achieves the targeted functional cup position.