Cup overhanging in total hip arthroplasty is a predisposing factor to iliopsoas impingement. In dysplastic hips, cup implantation was simulated in an anatomic hip center of rotation (AHCR) and in high hip center (HHCR). We sought to assess: (1) the percentage of prominent cups; (2) quantify the cup protrusion at different sites on frontal, axial and sagittal views. In 40 Crowe III-IV hips, using a 3D CT-based planning software, cup planning in AHCR and HHCR (CR height ≥ 20 mm) was performed for every hip. Cup prominence was assessed on every plane. HHCR cups were less anteverted (p < 0.01), less medialized (p < 0.001) and less caudal (p = 0.01) than AHCR sockets. AHCR cups were more frequently prominent on at least one plane (92.5% vs. 77.5%), with minimal agreement between the two configurations (k = 0.31, p = 0.07). AHCR cups protruded more than HHCR sockets in the sagittal (p = 0.02) and axial planes (p < 0.001). Axially, at the center of the cup, prominence 6−11 mm occurred in nine (22.5%) AHCR and one (2.5%) HHCR socket. In conclusion, while a routine high hip center should not be recommended, cup placement at a center of rotation height < 20 mm is associated with higher rates and magnitudes of anterior cup protrusion in severe dysplasia.
Keywords: anterior soft tissue irritation; cup protrusion; groin pain; iliopsoas impingement; tendonitis.