Anteversion of the acetabular component in obese patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between the acetabular anteversion in primary total hip replacement (THR) and obesity. We hypothesised that the more difficult exposure of the acetabulum in obese patients through the posterolateral approach might compromise a proper acetabular cup positioning. More specifically, we expected to find an inverse relation between the BMI and the acetabular cup anteversion. Retrospectively 323 consecutive THRs were studied. From the postoperative radiograph the acetabular anteversion was calculated from the acetabular cup projection and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the patient's records. In the pooled data no statistical significant correlation could be established between the calculated anteversion and the BMI, nor between the inclination angle of the cup and the BMI.