Radiostereometry of hip prostheses. Review of methodology and clinical results.

Radiostereometric analysis is a science that enables reliable measurements to be made from radiographs. The method involves several steps including insertion of spheric tantalum markers, radiographic examinations, measurements of radiographic films, and calculations of three-dimensional movements. The precision of the method corresponding to the 99% significance interval varies between 0.15 and 0.6 mm and 0.3 degree and 2 degrees when applied to total hip replacement depending on the technique used. Measurements of implant micromovement during 1 to 2 years after surgery have proved to be of value to predict later clinical failure because of aseptic loosening and revision. Subsidence of the femoral stem or proximal migration of the acetabular cup between 1 and 2 mm has indicated increased risk of early or intermediate term revisions in those prosthetic designs studied so far. Minimum early migration has been recorded for clinically well documented nonpolished stems and polyethylene cups, which probably is one explanation for their long term success. This small amount of early micromotion also has been found in porous coated and screw fixated press fit cups and all hydroxyapatite coated designs hitherto studied. As a first step in a clinical evaluation of new implants or surgical techniques, the predictive value of radiostereometric analysis measurements can be used to reduce the number of patients exposed to the potential risk of clinical failure.