Comparison of free-hand and computer assisted cup placement in total hip arthroplasty -: a multi-center study

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to determine the accuracy of free hand and computer-assisted (CAS) cup placement. Material and Methods: Between June 1985 and August 2001, 105 free-hand and from March to November 1999 80 total hip arthroplasties under computer assistance were implanted in the above mentioned centers. To determine the accuracy of the cups, the inclination and anteversion angles were measured. In all cases the cup position was measured with a CT-investigation of the pelvis. Statistical analysis was performed with the F-test. Results: With regard to the inclination and anteversion angles the variability of the cup position was significantly higher in the group of free hand implanted cups. In the CAS group we could not find any "extreme" positions. Conclusion: Using computer-assisted surgery a significantly higher reproducible cup position can be obtained. Long time survey may present a lowering of the rate of early and late complications caused by better prostheses alignment in the follow up.