Reliability and Validity of Standing Lateral Radiograph Method for Measuring Acetabular Component Version: A Modified Cross-table Lateral Radiograph Method

Objectives To investigate the effect of the X-ray incidence angle on cup version measurements and the reliability and validity of standing lateral (SL) radiography for measuring cup versions. Methods Cup versions under different X-ray incidence angles were investigated by the 3D simulation analysis. Ninety-three patients, who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with postoperative SL radiographs and CT scans between April 2020 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. SL radiography was taken under naturally standing position, correcting for the measurement error of pelvic tilt in cross-table lateral (CL) radiography. Cup versions were measured on SL radiographs and CT images by two qualified orthopedic physicians. The intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were assessed by intra-class correlation coefficient. The consistency between radiographic and CT measurements was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results No significant differences in cup version measurements were observed between groups of different X-ray incidence angles (P = 0.663) in the 3D simulation analysis. All measurements had excellent intra- and inter-observer reliabilities, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of >0.95. Mean cup version measurements from SL radiographs correlated well with those from CT scans (r = 0.853, P < 0.001). The mean difference between radiographic and CT measurements was -0.49 degrees (range -12.62 degrees to 10.37 degrees, SD 3.95 degrees), and the majority of differences were within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusion The cup versions measured with SL radiography were close to the CT measurements. SL radiograph method is reliable and valid for measuring acetabular component version after THA.