-
Preoperative planning is mandatory to achieve the restoration of a correct and personalized biomechanics of the hip.
-
The radiographic review is the first and fundamental step in the planning. Limb or pelvis malpositioning during the review results in mislead planning.
-
Correct templating is possible using three different methods: acetate templating on digital X-ray, digital 2D templating on digital X-ray and 3D digital templating on CT scan.
-
Time efficiency, costs, reproducibility and accuracy must be considered when comparing different templating methods. Based on these parameters, acetate templating should not be abandoned; digital templating allows a permanent record of planning and can be electronically viewed by different members of surgical team; 3D templating is intrinsically more accurate. There is no evidence in the few recently published studies that 3D templating impacts positively on clinical outcomes except in difficult cases.
-
The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is a reliable intraoperative soft tissue reference to set cup position.
-
Spine–hip relations in osteoarthritic patients undergoing hip joint replacement must be considered.
Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:626-632. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180075