Accuracy of cup positioning of a non-invasive augmented reality-based navigation system for total hip arthroplasty in the supine position.

Background: A new non-invasive augmented reality-based portable navigation system was developed for accurate cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty in the supine position. This study aimed to clarify whether the navigation system supports cup positioning more accurately than a conventional goniometer during surgery.

Methods: In total, 60 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in the supine position between September 2021 and August 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The navigation system was used for 30 patients (navigation group), and a conventional goniometer was used for 30 patients (control group) to measure radiographic cup inclination and anteversion during surgery. The primary outcome was the absolute value of the difference in cup alignment measured during surgery and via postoperative radiography.

Results: An assessment of the primary outcome showed no significant difference in the radiographic cup inclination in the navigation and control groups (2.9° vs. 3.2°; mean difference, 0.3°; 95% confidence interval, - 1.4 to 0.9; P = 0.67); however, the positioning in the navigation group was significantly more accurate than that in the control group in terms of radiographic anteversion (3.4° vs. 5.4°; mean difference, 2.0°; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-3.8; P = 0.017).

Conclusions: A new non-invasive augmented reality-based portable navigation system resulted in more accurate cup anteversion than the conventional goniometer.