A novel fluoroscopic approach to assessing patient positioning in total hip arthroplasty: Accuracy and the influence of body mass index

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate prosthetic cup placement is important in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and can be influenced by patient positioning. This study aims to assess the accuracy of patient positioning prior to THA, describe a new technique of assessment, and evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on positioning error. Methods: A consecutive series of 37 patients undergoing unilateral THA were investigated. After patient positioning in lateral decubitus, a lateral fluoroscopic image through the table was taken. The C-arm of the image intensifier was manipulated in 2 planes (coronal, transverse) until a perfect lateral view of the pelvis was obtained, defined as when the native acetab..