Comparison between accuracy of augmented reality computed tomography-based and portable augmented reality-based navigation systems for cup insertion in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) has been used for navigation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). AR computed tomography (CT)-based navigation systems and AR-based portable navigation systems that use smartphones can also be used. This study compared the accuracy of cup insertion during THA using AR-CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems. Patients with symptomatic hip disease who underwent primary THA in the supine position using both AR CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems simultaneously between October 2021 and July 2023 were included. The primary outcome of this study was the absolute difference between cup angles in the intraoperative navigation record and those measured on postoperative CT. The secondary outcome was to determine the factors affecting the absolute value of the navigation error in radiographic inclination (RI) and radiographic anteversion (RA) of the cup, including sex, age, body mass index, left or right side, approach, and preoperative pelvic tilt. This study included 94 consecutive patients. There were 11 men and 83 women, with a mean age of 68 years. The mean absolute errors of RI were 2.7° ± 2.0° in the AR CT-based and 3.3° ± 2.4° in the portable AR-based navigation system. The mean absolute errors of RA were 2.5° ± 2.1° in the AR CT-based navigation system and 2.3° ± 2.2° in the portable AR-based navigation system. No significant differences were observed in RI or RA of the cup between the two navigation systems (RI: p = 0.706; RA: p = 0.329). No significant factors affected the absolute value of the navigation errors in RI and RA. In conclusion, there were no differences in the accuracy of cup insertion between the AR CT-based and portable AR-based navigation systems.