Body morphometry did not affect the accuracy of a second-generation, miniature imageless navigation system for total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a posterior approach

Introduction Some modern imageless navigation platforms for total hip arthroplasty (THA) rely on virtual frontal and sagittal planes determined with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Body morphometry that changes with gender, body mass index, and other demographic factors may affect accuracy in patient positioning and consequently, navigation accuracy. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of patient factors on the intraoperative accuracy of a second-generation imageless computer-assisted surgery platform. Methods 325 consecutive patients undergoing posterior approach, navigated THA arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. An optic-based imageless navigation system referenced off a generic sagittal and coronal plane was used to determine acetabular inclination and anteversion. Acetabular accuracy was determined by assessing differences between intraoperative values and those obtained from measuring standardized 6-week follow-up radiographs. The effect of age, gender, BMI, race, ethnicity, and laterality on acetabular accuracy was assessed via t-tests, Pearson correlation and ANOVA. Results Gender had a significant impact on raw inclination accuracy (females and males had an average error of 1.41° and -1.03°, respectively – p < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between acetabular accuracy and patient age and BMI as a continuous variable (both absolute γ < 0.2). No difference was found between acetabular accuracy and BMI groups. Conclusion This second-generation imageless computer assisted device provided accurate cup positioning regardless of patient’s BMI. Gender was the only factor impacting inclination accuracy.