DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.25.00644 ISSN: 2160-3251

The Role of Polar Axis Angle in Acetabular Component Positioning

Taylor Stauffer, Young Dong Song, Alex Anatone, Andrew J. Hughes, Peter K. Sculco

Case:

A seventy-six-year-old woman with a prior total hip arthroplasty (THA) presented with instability requiring component revision. Seated imaging was used to understand functional component orientation in a position of high risk for posterior dislocation. Successful acetabular revision was performed using a polar axis angle (PAA)–driven approach to optimize postoperative stability. THA stability was maintained at 1-year and 2-year follow-up by imaging and clinical examination.

Conclusion:

This case report applies the novel concept of the PAA, a method for assessing the mechanical stability of hip prostheses, in preoperative planning for a revision THA secondary to instability. This report highlights the utility of the PAA to guide acetabular revision, reduce dislocation risk, and achieve favorable short-term clinical outcomes.

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