Preliminary application of computer-assisted patient-specific acetabular navigational template for total hip arthroplasty in adult single development dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: The considerable variation in anatomical abnormalities of hip joints associated with different types of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) makes reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty (THA) difficult. It is desirable to create patient-specific designs for THA procedures. In the cases of adult single DDH, an accuracy-improved method has been developed for acetabular cup prosthesis implantation of hip arthroplasty.

METHODS: From October 2007 to November 2008, 22 patients with single DDH (according to the Crowe standard, all dysplasia hips were classified as type I) were scanned with spiral CT pre-operatively. These patients scheduled for THA were randomly assigned to undergo either conventional THA (control group, n = 11) or navigation template implantation (NT group, n = 11). In the NT group, three-dimensional (3D) CT pelvis image data were transferred to a computer workstation and 3D models of the hip were reconstructed using the Mimics software. The 3D models were then processed by the Imageware software. In brief, a template that best fitted the location and shape of the acetabular cup was 'reversely' built from the 3D model, the rotation centre of the pathological hip determined by mirroring that of the healthy site, and a guiding hole in the template was then designed. The navigational templates were manufactured using a rapid prototyping machine. These navigation templates guide acetabular component placement.

RESULTS: Based on the predetermined abduction angle 45° and anteversion angle 18°, after 1 year follow-up, the NT group showed significantly smaller differences (1.6° ± 0.4°, 1.9° ± 1.1°) from the predetermined angles than those in the control group (5.8° ± 2.9°, 3.9° ± 2.5°) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The template designs facilitated accurate placement of acetabular components in dysplasia of acetabulum. The hip's center of rotation in DDH could be established using computer-aided design, which provides a useful method for the accurate location of prosthesis with a low cost-performance ratio without excessive technical workload on the surgical team.