Three-Dimensional Preoperative Planning Software for Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty

Three-dimensional planning of hip arthroplasty is associated with better visualisation of anatomical landmarks and enhanced mapping for preoperative implant sizing, which can lead to a decrease in surgical time and complications. Despite the advantages of hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), it is considered a technically challenging procedure and associated with inaccurate implant placement. This study aimed to examine the validity, reliability, and usability of preoperative 3D Hip Planner software for HRA. Fifty random cases of various hip osteoarthritis severity were planned twice by two junior trainees using the 3D Hip Planner within a one-month interval. Outcome measures included femoral/cup implant size, stem-shaft angle, and cup inclination angle, and were assessed by comparing outcomes from 2D and 3D planning. An adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) survey was used for software usability. Bland-Altman plots between 3D and 2D planning for stem-shaft and inclination angles showed mean differences of 0.7 and 0.6, respectively (r = 0.93, p < 0.001). Stem-shaft and inclination angles showed inter-rater reliability biases of around 2 degrees and 3 degrees, respectively. Chi-square and Pearson's correlation for femoral implant size showed a significant association between the two assessors (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). The 3D test-retest coefficient of repeatability for stem-shaft and inclination angles were around +/- 2 degrees and +/- 3 degrees, respectively, with a strong significant association for femoral implant size (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). Survey analyses showed that 70-90% agreed that 3D planning improved expectancy in four domains. 3D hip planner appears to be valid and reliable in preoperative HRA and shows significant potential in optimising the quality and accuracy of surgical planning.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional planning of hip arthroplasty using the 3D Hip Planner software can improve visualization of anatomical landmarks, enhance preoperative implant sizing, and lead to a decrease in surgical time and complications. The study found that the software is valid and reliable, with significant potential in optimizing the quality and accuracy of surgical planning for hip resurfacing arthroplasty.