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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

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Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty
Published on: February 27, 2018
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Computational modelling of acetabular morphology and its implications for cup positioning
Sara De Angelis1, Johann Henckel2, Alister Hart2,3,4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Sex-based anatomical variations in the innominate bone influence acetabular component positioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Understanding these differences aids in personalized surgical planning for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is critical for long-term success.
- Pelvic morphology varies between sexes, but its impact on THA cup orientation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anatomical variations of the innominate bone between sexes.
- To determine if sex-based differences affect acetabular component positioning in THA.
Main Methods:
- Developed sex-specific statistical shape models from 3D CT scans of 100 hemipelvises (50 male, 50 female).
- Utilized Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify key anatomical variations, including acetabular orientation.
Main Results:
- Significant variability in innominate bone size, shape, and acetabular orientation was observed in both male and female models.
- Acetabular orientation emerged as a principal component of variation, indicating its dependence on native acetabular anatomy.
- Four and five principal components explained 90% of variance in male and female models, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Native acetabular shape significantly influences prosthetic cup inclination and version in THA.
- Understanding sex-specific innominate bone morphology can lead to more accurate surgical planning and personalized safe zones.
- Patient-specific models can enhance surgical planning, potentially reducing THA complications like dislocation and wear.

