Total Hip Arthroplasty and the Spinopelvic Relationship: What's the Latest!

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) has proved to be a successful surgical procedure, both prosthetic and bone impingement resulting in dislocation continue to occur. Studies have shown that spine pathology resulting in lumbar stiffness and hip arthritis often coexist. Spinopelvic mobility patterns during postural changes affect three-dimensional acetabular component position, which affects the incidence of prosthetic impingement and THA instability. Several spinopelvic risk factors that may affect THA stability have been identified. Numerous reports recommend performing a preoperative spinopelvic mobility analysis to identify risk factors and adjust acetabular component position accordingly to lessen the risk of impingement. In doing so, acetabular component position is individualized based on spinopelvic mobility patterns. Additionally, functional femoral anteversion, affected by individual femoral rotation patterns during dynamic activities, may contribute to the incidence of impingement. It is important to review the interrelationship between spine and pelvic mobility and how it relates to THA and may reduce the incidence of instability.